Released on April 11, 2011
Provincial Secretary Donna Harpauer will meet with His Excellency Dr. Georg Witschel, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany during his visit to Saskatchewan this week. His Excellency will be in Saskatchewan April 12 to 14 to discuss German-Saskatchewan relations.
"I am honoured to welcome Ambassador Witschel to the province of Saskatchewan and look forward to this visit as an opportunity to further strengthen social, educational and economic ties with the people of Germany," Harpauer said.
Saskatchewan has a strong trade relationship with the people of Germany. In 2010 pulses made up the majority (54 per cent) of the province's $24 million in exports to Germany, while imports of $201 million dollars consisted primarily of chemical products and agricultural machinery.
Saskatchewan has also benefited from an educational collaboration with Germany, including a student exchange program with the University of Saskatchewan as well as a teacher exchange program through the Ministry of Education.
While in Saskatchewan, Witschel will also meet with Premier Brad Wall, Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris and Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison. Meetings are also planned with the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan Gordon Barnhart, the mayors of Regina and Saskatoon, representatives from the universities of Regina and Saskatchewan and members of the private sector.
The Office of the Provincial Secretary works with government, organizations, and communities, to provide opportunities to celebrate and promote the diversity, character and achievements of our province and to engage diplomats and Consular Corps who visit Saskatchewan as part of government's strategy to strengthen and build regional, national and international relationships.
To learn more about the role of the Provincial Secretary, please visit www.ops.gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Jay Teneycke
Office of the Provincial Secretary
Regina
Phone: 306-798-6095
Email: jay.teneycke@gov.sk.ca