Released on August 30, 2021
Eight International Offices to be open by April 2022
The Government of Saskatchewan is progressing with its international expansion plans and the establishment of four new trade and investment offices in London, United Kingdom (UK); Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE); Mexico City, Mexico and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. These new offices are in addition to the existing offices in Tokyo, Japan; New Delhi, India; Shanghai, China and Singapore.
"Over the past several months we have seen significant investments into Saskatchewan and these new offices will help us continue this economic growth and strengthen our international relationships," Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "By taking Saskatchewan to the world and bringing the world to Saskatchewan we will increase exports and attract investment, which will create jobs, economic growth and strong communities across our province."
The new international trade and investment offices will play a pivotal role in helping achieve Saskatchewan's Growth Plan goals to increase the value of exports by 50 per cent, grow private capital investment to $16 billion annually by 2030, create 100,000 new jobs, grow the number of international markets to which Saskatchewan exports more than $1 billion, and others.
The expansion of Saskatchewan's international offices will help the province establish a global network with regional coverage across all priority markets. This includes in the UK and Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Latin America and Southeast Asia.
The Japan, India and Singapore offices have been operating since January 2021, while Saskatchewan's office in China has been operational since 2010. The new offices are expected to open in fiscal year 2021-22. The process for recruiting and appointing Managing Directors is currently underway.
Saskatchewan officials leading the four operational international offices have been engaging with stakeholders and building relationships both inside Saskatchewan and in their respective markets. This has been supported by virtual engagement between industry and government representatives in these key markets. This includes facilitating virtual participation at events with the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber and the upcoming World Expo 2020 in Dubai to be held from October 2021 to March 2022.
Saskatchewan's economy relies on trade, exporting approximately 65 per cent of what the province produces. In the first six months of 2021, exports increased by more than 20 per cent. Saskatchewan was the only province in Canada to increase exports in 2020.
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For more information, contact:
Robin Speer
Trade and Export Development
Regina
Phone: 306-519-5006
Email: robin.speer@gov.sk.ca