CAN (AB): Trade minister leads mission to Asia

Canadian Economic Development and Trade Minister Deron Bilous will lead a mission to Japan and China from November 15 to 27 to help diversify markets and build on relationships forged during his mission in March.

The mission will focus on promoting Alberta’s diverse industries, including clean technology, oil and gas, forestry, agri-food, tourism and emerging technologies. It will also focus on ensuring that Alberta businesses have access to more diversified markets.

Minister Bilous will meet industry and government leaders and will follow up on conversations and agreements started during his first visit to Asia earlier this year. In Japan, Minister Bilous will attend the Canada Food Expo in Tokyo.

China and Japan are Alberta’s second- and third-largest trading partners, respectively. In 2015, Alberta’s two-way trade with China and Japan totalled more than $7.8 billion, with potential for growth. The province’s trade with China increased by 16 per cent last year.

Trade and investment attraction mission
More than 80 Alberta companies and economic development associations will participate in a separate Alberta-China trade and investment attraction mission from November 21 to 26. The government-led business mission – organized in collaboration with Edmonton Economic Development Corporation and Calgary Economic Development – will connect Alberta companies with potential Chinese buyers and investors.

The delegation will attend seminars and conduct one-on-one meetings in Guangzhou, Shanghai and Yantai, China. Minister Bilous will also attend the seminars.

For more information:
www.alberta.ca