Opening doors to diversify markets in Japan and China
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.
Quotes
“Asia is a priority market for Alberta. This mission builds on the success of previous missions to the region and will result in increased trade opportunities and investments to Alberta companies and the province. In the end, by getting Alberta businesses to new markets, we are supporting new jobs here at home.”
“The bottom line is that trade missions like this support Alberta jobs. As an export-focused sector, Alberta’s forestry companies know that we need to maintain our existing markets and expand into new markets over time. Building and maintaining strong, ongoing trading relationships with our customers around the world will keep our forest sector and Alberta’s economy strong and diversified.”
Estimated cost for travel, meals, accommodations, ground transportation, receptions and meeting costs for Minister Bilous, one political and one departmental staff is $60,000. Alberta companies participating in the mission are responsible for their own expenses.
Backgrounder
Key outcomes from the mission to China and Korea in March include:
The launch of an international technology partnership between Alberta and the Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology. The partnership will benefit companies in both regions by accelerating technology commercialization, enhancing research and development networks and creating highly skilled jobs. Alberta committed $2 million to the partnership, while Alberta companies will match this amount. Zhejiang has committed $10 million from its government and the Chinese private sector. The aim is to commercialize projects over the next three years.
The signing of three Memoranda of Understanding (MOU).
First, with the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce, supports two-way investment and collaboration in sectors such as environment management and technologies, health and infrastructure.
Second, with the Korean Importers Association, commits to a buyers’ mission to Alberta, which occurred in October. It also aims to increase trade activities between member companies and Alberta suppliers in such sectors as machinery, raw materials and consumer goods.
Third, an economic and trade cooperation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Guangdong Province, China, signed in Vancouver in May.
The mission also saw the opening of the Alberta Guangzhou Office to help Alberta companies build networks and do business in southern China and connect Chinese investors and corporations with opportunities in Alberta.
Itinerary for Minister Deron Bilous*
Date
Event
Tuesday, Nov. 15
Depart Edmonton
Wednesday, Nov. 16
Arrive Tokyo, Japan
Meet with David Anderson, Managing Director of the Alberta Japan Office
Thursday, November 17
Meet with Canada’s Ambassador to Japan
Attend Forestry VIP Roundtable luncheon
Meet with key stakeholders
Friday, Nov. 18
Witness MOU signing with Crystalline NanoCellulose (CNC)
Attend CNC seminar and networking reception
Attend Canada Food Expo
Meet with key stakeholders
Saturday, Nov. 19
Private time at own expense
Sunday, Nov. 20
Travel to Guangzhou, China
Monday, Nov. 21
Meet with Ron Hoffman, Alberta’s Senior Representative in the Asia Pacific Basin
Meet with Consul General of Canada in Guangzhou
Meet with Director General, Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province
Attend Alberta-China Buyers and Investment Attraction Seminar
Meet with Guangdong Province government officials
Attend Alberta Networking dinner reception
Tuesday, Nov. 22
Travel to Shenzhen
Meet with Mayor of Shenzhen
Meet with key stakeholders
Witness MOU signing with Build Your Dreams Heavy Indsutries
Wednesday, Nov. 23
Travel to Shanghai
Meet with Consul General of Canada in Shanghai
Meet with key stakeholders
Thursday, Nov. 24
Attend Alberta-China Buyers and Investment Attraction Seminar
Witness Alberta and Shanghai company MOU signings
Meet with Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce
Participate in Taste Alberta and Canada Beef Food Festival
Meet with key stakeholders
Friday, Nov. 25
Travel to Yantai
Visit Siwin Group Facility site
Meet with Shandong and Yantai government officials
Saturday, Nov. 26
Attend Alberta-Yantai/Shandong Trade and Investment Seminar