By CHAT News Today

Premier travelling to Asia to strengthen trade partnerships

Apr 17, 2017 | 10:50 AM

EDMONTON — Premier Rachel Notley is headed to China and Japan to strengthen partnerships between the province and the two countries.

Notley, along with Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous, will be in China and Japan from April 17-27, with the goal of growing Alberta’s energy market and diversifying the province’s export market.

“China and Japan dominate Alberta’s export economy, second only to the U.S. Trade and investment missions are instrumental to connecting with the right people and identifying how to harness that potential,” said Notley in a news release. “Building and fostering productive and visionary relationships with both countries will mean more jobs in a growing and increasingly diverse economy here at home.”

“We have a strong record of trade, investment and partnerships to build on,” said Bilous in a news release. “Our exports to Asia are represented by our major industries, energy, petrochemicals, agriculture, forestry and value-added products in those sectors.

“Asian investors and businesses are hungry for these products, and face-to-face meetings with our Premier will build more confidence and credibility for our companies.”

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During the 10-day trip, Notley and Bilous will travel to Beijing and Guangzhou to speak about oil and gas exports and tourism. In Tokyo, the two will speak about Alberta’s energy, lumber, beef and pork industry. Notley is expected to sign a memorandum of understanding to promote collaboration on technology and energy.

China and Japan are Alberta’s second- and third-largest trading partners, respectively. The province’s trade with China has tripled since 2003, while Japan represented 15.7 per cent of non-U.S. exports last year. In 2016, Alberta’s two-way trade with China and Japan totalled more than $7.4 billion, according to a news release.

The trip will be Notley’s first to the region as premier and Bilous’ third. The estimated cost for the mission for the premier, the minister, four political staff, two public servants and a security detail is $140,000.

The delegation also includes Mary Moran, CEO of Calgary Economic Development, and Gordon Houlden, Director of the China Institute at the University of Alberta. The two are responsible for their own expenses.