Alberta to grow trade opportunities with Asia

Minister Olson will be in Japan, China and Singapore May 18 to 30 to further Alberta’s economic prospects.

“Asia is a priority market for our export-oriented agricultural sector and last year our agri-food exports to China and Japan were $2.8 billion. We need to ensure that these markets remain strong and continue to grow. We are also home to the world’s third-largest oil reserve and we welcome global investment as it fuels Alberta’s and Canada’s economic engine.”

More than a dozen representatives from Alberta’s agriculture sector and oil and gas industry are participating in the trip, including Providence Grain Solutions, a grain handling and value-added processing company with locations throughout the province.

“We have taken part in previous Government of Alberta trade missions to Asia and I can’t overstate how important this growing market is. This is a tremendous opportunity for smaller and producer-owned companies to meet the end-user and establish a strong relationship.”

Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association, which represents Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region and anticipates this year’s planned capital investments to exceed $20 billion, is also participating in the mission.

“Asian-based firms have been asking about opportunities in Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. We want to attract investment from companies which will add value to our natural resources and this is a tremendous opportunity for us to get our foot in the door.”

Under the Building Alberta Plan, our government is investing in families and communities, living within our means, and opening new markets for Alberta's resources to ensure we're able to fund the services Albertans told us matter most to them. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.

Backgrounder

Itinerary for Minister Olson *

May 18	Depart for Tokyo, Japan
May 19	Arrive in Tokyo
May 20	Meet with Canadian Embassy, industry stakeholders
May 21	Meet with Japanese companies
May 22	Travel to Guangzhou, China and meet with Canadian Consulate
May 23	Speak at Doing Business with Alberta Seminar and meet with Guangdon Department of Commerce and industry stakeholders. Travel to Hong Kong
May 24	Attend the Canadian Chamber of Commerce dinner
May 25	Rest day
May 26	Speak at Doing Business in Alberta Seminar and meet with Canada’s Consul General to Hong Kong
May 27	Meet with beef importers. Travel to Singapore
May 28	Meet with Canadian High Commission and grain traders
May 29	Meet with Food Industry Asia
May 30	Depart Singapore

*Itinerary is subject to change

The estimated cost for travel, meals, and accommodation for Minister Olson and one staff member, including reception and hosting expenses, is $35,500.