Released on January 20, 2012
While Saskatchewan businesses continue to attract international investment and maximize global sales, the Government of Saskatchewan is working to expand opportunities in Europe.
"With so much global uncertainty, European investors are looking for stable and growing jurisdictions where they can do business, and Saskatchewan has a unique story to tell with strong forecasted growth and a AAA credit rating," Enterprise and Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Many Saskatchewan farmers, manufacturers, miners and researchers depend on European markets, and strengthening ties with Europe will create more jobs and opportunity here at home."
While in Europe, Harrison met with BUSINESS EUROPE, an international organization composed of 41 European business associations, to encourage investment in Saskatchewan. Harrison also met with the global energy company GDF Suez. The trip concluded with executive meetings at Yara International headquarters in Oslo, Norway, to discuss the company's continued interest in Saskatchewan's fertilizer and agricultural industry.
Harrison also used the trip to Europe to advocate for a successful conclusion to the Canada-Europe Free Trade agreement negotiations. Before going to Europe, Harrison stopped in Ottawa to meet with federal Trade Minister Ed Fast and Canada's chief negotiator Steve Verheul. While in Europe, Harrison also met with Europe's chief negotiator, Mauro Petriccione.
"Saskatchewan has one of the most trade-oriented economies in Canada and one of our key goals is to expand market access through international trade negotiation such as the free trade talks between Canada and Europe," Harrison said. "A successful agreement would create new opportunities and jobs for Saskatchewan exporters and farmers."
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For more information, contact:
Joanne Johnson
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-7967
Email: joanne.johnson@enterprisesask.ca