Released on September 18, 2000
Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura means business – and so does the Province of
Saskatchewan.
Ventura is in Saskatoon September 18 and 19 to attend International Development
Days, a conference sponsored by the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership,
the Canadian International Development Agency and the Alliance of Canadian
Manufacturers and Exporters.
"Governor Ventura is looking for business partnerships and so am I," Premier
Roy Romanow said. "Saskatchewan and Minnesota have a very strong trading
relationship, but I believe that we can increase our trading volumes with
Minnesota."
Minnesota is one of the most important U.S. states for Saskatchewan's exports.
The province exported goods and services worth $691 million to Minnesota in
1999.
"More of Saskatchewan's exports go to Minnesota than to China, our second
largest offshore market," the premier said.
Governor Ventura's visit illustrates the strengthening relationship between
Saskatchewan and the mid-western U.S. states. In August, Saskatchewan became
the first international affiliate member of the Midwestern Legislative
Conference, a regional association of state legislators who address issues of
common interest including agriculture, economic development, transportation,
trade corridors and relations with Canada.
Premier Romanow and Governor Ventura witnessed the signing of three agreements
today that demonstrate the strong relationship between Saskatchewan and
Minnesota. The agreements include one that strengthens economic co-operation,
a private-sector business contract and one relating to education programs.
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For more information, contact:
James Millar
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-6349