SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH DELEGATES PART OF ECONOMIC MISSION TO CHINA

Released on July 27, 2004

Four Saskatchewan students were sent off in style at the Legislative Building today before leaving at the end of the week for a special youth trade mission to China.

The students are joining Junior Team Canada, a 36-member mission of young people representing some of Canada's leading companies and organizations. Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline hosted a "bon voyage" for Matthew Huebert and Uliana Kojolianko of Saskatoon, Sarah Anderson of Moose Jaw, and James Rose of Regina.

Junior Team Canada delegates will meet with Chinese government and business groups to promote trade with the provinces they represent. Each student has recruited private sector sponsors and will promote those companies on the mission. Various private and public sector organizations, including the government and the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), helped sponsor Saskatchewan's Junior Team Canada delegates.

"This China mission offers these talented young people a unique learning experience and will provide their sponsoring organizations with an exciting opportunity to enhance their profile and global export potential," Minister responsible for STEP Eric Cline said. "The students will also gain a greater appreciation of the extent of Saskatchewan's global connectedness."

Global Vision, a non-profit organization based in Ottawa, is the organizer of the Junior Team Canada initiative. The missions provide young people aged 16 to 25 with leadership opportunities and knowledge in international trade.

The China mission begins August 1st with a six-day training session in Ottawa. Junior Team Canada delegates then leave for 18 days in Beijing, Hong Kong and Shenzhen where they will meet with business, government, education and youth leaders to promote Canadian products and services abroad. They will gather market and cultural information for their sponsoring organizations and return with valuable contacts and exporting opportunities.

Approximately two-thirds of Saskatchewan's Gross Domestic Product is derived from exports. China is Saskatchewan's third largest export market, and sales to China of provincial products have averaged more than $610 million a year over the past 12 years.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691