October 18, 2019

Premier Returns From Successful Trade Mission In Japan, South Korea and Hong Kong

Premier Scott Moe has returned from a successful trade mission to Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong, his first trade mission to these markets.  The Premier’s focus was on expanding and diversifying access in the Asian markets for Saskatchewan’s food, fuel and fertilizer.  The mission involved more than 25 meetings and events, including the signing of 10 MOUs by Saskatchewan based organizations to expand and extend the relationships that Saskatchewan has abroad.

“Japan and South Korea represent key growth markets for our food, fuel and fertilizer, but also serve as launch points into developing markets in the Asian region,” Moe said.  “In a time where global challenges are impacting exports such as canola or other agri-foods, I was proud to represent the hardworking people of Saskatchewan that are the lifeblood of our export reliant industries.  I was also proud to highlight that our industries provide a cleaner, more sustainable, and more competitively priced product than many of our global competitors.”

In Japan, Premier Moe met with international trading corporations and industry associations that make a substantial contribution to the foundation of the Japanese economy.  Meetings included: Marubeni Corporation, Itochu Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, NH Foods, Lacto Japan, Zen-Noh, Japan-Canada Uranium, Overseas Uranium Resource Development, Sojitz Corporation, the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, the Japanese Flour Millers Association, and the Japanese Society for Syncrotron Radiation Research.

In South Korea, the Premier maintained his focus on promoting Saskatchewan’s food, fuel, and fertilizer in meetings with traders and retailers including: Daesang Corporation, Ottogi Corporation, and Homeplus.  There was also an emphasis on building stronger international partnerships in Saskatchewan’s academic and research sectors by joining with the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, and Saskatchewan Polytechnic in formalizing agreements to expand the exchange of students and ideas with Korean academic institutions.

The mission included strong representation from industry and business stakeholders, including the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership and a contingent of its member companies, along with Cameco, Mosaic, and Canpotex.

“Team Saskatchewan was on full display during our mission to Japan, South Korea, and I would like to thank each and every one of the organizations that took part in supporting this team effort to promote Saskatchewan to the world,” Moe said.

The mission also included a one-day stop in Hong Kong, the third leading global financial market and an important bridge into the Asian market.  In an investor roundtable, Premier Moe spoke to the competitive investment climate and abundance of resources in Saskatchewan’s wealth creating industries.

Since being sworn in as Premier, Moe has placed an increased importance on expanding and diversifying Saskatchewan’s global export markets.