Released on November 6, 1995
Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfelter today announced he isleading a Saskatchewan trade and investment delegation to Mexico Nov. 8
to 14.
"Mexico is an increasingly important market for Saskatchewan
exporters," Lingenfelter said. "Saskatchewan's annual exports to
Mexico have risen from $18 million in 1991 to $171 million in 1994. We
are the second-largest provincial trading partner with Mexico.
During the mission, Lingenfelter will also visit Cuba to address an
international biotechnology conference.
As a result of previous ministerial missions, a high-level formal
partnership between the province of Saskatchewan and the Mexican state
of Durango was signed in October, 1994. This agreement has
strengthened direct bilateral co-operation with Durango. It has also
led to discussions with the state of Coahuila, and a similar
partnership with the state of Coahuila may be signed on this mission.
Organizations sending delegates on the trade and investment mission
include:
Clifton Associates, which specializes in engineering related to
energy, soil, rock and groundwater. They offer consulting
services in environmental sciences, hydrogeology, and civil and
geotechnical engineering.
Andrews & Son's Drilling Ltd., a well-drilling contractor
servicing the mining industry as well as private, municipal and
government bodies in well and shaft drilling.
Prensa Latina of Regina, Saskatchewan's Spanish-language
newspaper.
Prairie Pipeline Contractors, which specializes in laying
pipelines of all sizes.
Meadow Lake Tribal Council (MLTC), which owns and operates: Polar
Oil, a bulk fuel company; MLDC investments, an asset holding
company which holds MLTC's share in NorSask Forest Products, and
MLTC Logging and Reforestation.
The Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN), which is
participating with the intent of forming ongoing contacts with the
Mexican and Cuban governments, industry officials, and Indigenous
Peoples leaders, as part of its long-term economic development
strategic plan.
Saskatchewan Opportunities Corporation.
Hatchet Lake Lodge, northern sport fishing lodge and outfitter.
Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization, established by the
University of Saskatchewan to conduct research to develop
infectious disease control agents for Canada's livestock industry.
Ag-West Biotech Inc., a nonprofit company developed in partnership
with the Government of Saskatchewan to co-ordinate agricultural
biotech initiatives in Saskatchewan.
In Cuba, the minister has been invited to deliver a keynote address at
the Opening Ceremony of Biotecnologia Habana '95, a prestigious
biotechnology conference with some 700 international participants,
including scientists and company representatives from the United
States, Mexico, Latin America and Europe. This conference is
exclusively devoted to plant and animal health research and development
which is precisely the area of greatest biotechnology achievement in
Saskatchewan. Dr. Lorne Babiuk, director of the Saskatoon-based
Veterinary Infectious Disease Organization, will also speak at the 1995
conference.
"Cuba remains an important market for Saskatchewan agricultural
products, and the energy and biotechnology industries have been
identified as potential areas for co-operation between Cuba and
Saskatchewan," Lingenfelter said.
"Exports are vital to companies in Saskatchewan. I'm pleased to see
that more and more Saskatchewan people are realizing the important role
trade plays in our provincial economy and support our emphasis on
export development."
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For more information, contact:
Gerry Adamson
Economic Development
Regina
Telephone: 787-2222