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By Alice McFarlane

International Trade

Trade mission targets key Asian markets

Nov 15, 2019 | 12:31 PM

Saskatchewan Trade Minister Jeremy Harrison leaves today on a mission to India accompanied by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

The provincial government entered into a $240,000 contract with Harper and Associates to help the province increase its export market.

Premier Scott Moe said there are a number of trade issues in India that need to be addressed.

“We are hopeful that our delegation, alongside former Prime Minister Harper, can help us make our cases at the very highest levels,” Moe said. “Not only in India on this trip, not only on this particular mission, but we expect that Prime Minister Harper is going to help us increase our exports to the more than 150 countries where we do business each and every day.”

Harrison will be advocating for trade and improved market access for Saskatchewan exports and highlighting investment opportunities in India during the eight day mission.

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“India is the world’s second-most populous country, with rapidly growing needs for food, fuel and fertilizer and Saskatchewan is well-positioned to help meet those needs,” Harrison said. “Saskatchewan’s major exports to India have increased in the first eight months of this year compared to 2018, and we know there are further opportunities to improve market access for Saskatchewan products.”

Harrison will participate in the Indo-Canadian Business Chamber Annual National Convention in New Delhi and the Canada-India Business Council Mumbai Forum, in addition to meeting with representatives from the Indian government and industry.

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Chair Brad Blackwell said India is normally one of the largest export markets for Canadian pulses, accounting for up to 40 per cent of total red lentil and yellow pea exports.

“Saskatchewan pulse growers need improved transparency and predictability in India’s trade policies, so we are supportive of the Government of Saskatchewan’s efforts to seek improved market access for Canadian pulses to India,” Blackwell said.

Saskatchewan has been one of Canada’s top exporters to India for the past decade, exporting mostly agricultural commodities and mineral products. In 2018, the province exported $629 million in goods to India, including potash, pulse crops, uranium and semi-chemical wood pulp.

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alice.mcfarlane@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @AliceMcF