Released on September 19, 2012
Premier Brad Wall has concluded a trade mission focused on promoting food, energy and innovation opportunities in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia.
"An important part of our growth agenda is telling Saskatchewan's story and promoting trade and investment opportunities to fast growing economies that desire greater food and energy security," Wall said. "China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), led by Indonesia are among those at the top of that list and we cannot take those markets for granted."
Over the course of nine days, Premier Wall met with a number of government and business leaders in China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Indonesia and participated in several key signings, among them a memorandum of understanding between SaskPower and the China International Centre for Economic and Technical Exchanges (CICETE) and the China Beijing Environment Exchange (CBEEX) in the area of carbon capture sequestration.
"The agreement signed by SaskPower recognizes Saskatchewan's leading position in the carbon capture and storage field by one of the world's largest economies," SaskPower President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Watson said. "We are well positioned to work with China as a partner to build a future for clean energy and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions."
Representatives from Saskatoon-based uranium producer Cameco were in China during Premier Wall's trade mission, exploring new markets and export opportunities. The increased accessibility of the Chinese market is a direct result of new regulations that were adopted by the federal government in February of 2012, changes sought and welcomed by the Government of Saskatchewan.
"Premier Wall has been a great help in gaining better access to the Chinese market for Canadian uranium producers," Cameco's Senior Vice-president and Chief Corporate Officer Alice Wong said. "Growing uranium trade with China will mean more jobs, more development and more investment here in Saskatchewan by Cameco and other producers."
Asian markets continue to be an area of tremendous growth for Saskatchewan exports. China is currently Saskatchewan's second largest export market. Since 2006, Saskatchewan exports to China have almost tripled to $1.7 billion. Potash, canola seed, canola oil and peas comprise 83 per cent of the province's trade exports to China.
Indonesia is also quickly emerging as a major importer of Saskatchewan produced resources. Indonesia is Saskatchewan's fifth largest export market. In 2011, provincial exports hit an all time high of $817 million. Saskatchewan is Canada's largest exporter to Indonesia, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of the country's exports.
"It is a very exciting time to be living in Saskatchewan, with the knowledge that the resources we produce, right here at home, are the resources that are building the world around us," Wall said. "As we move into the future, markets like China and Indonesia will provide great opportunities for Saskatchewan, but we must engage, we must build long term relationships."
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927