PREMIER HIGHLIGHTS RESOURCES, HI-TECH AND TOURISM ON FIRST DAY IN JAPAN

Premier Lorne Calvert's Asian trade mission has taken him to Japan, where he promoted Saskatchewan's mining and manufacturing sectors with Japanese business leaders.

"We already have a successful business partnership with each other now," Calvert told the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Tokyo yesterday. "We can build on that success and go even further."

Calvert noted that Japan plans to double its nuclear power output by the year 2050. Since Saskatchewan produces one-third of the world's uranium, he believes the Japanese market represents tremendous potential for this province.

"That is an opportunity to sell uranium to a stable, mature and respected power and help it secure its energy needs in the future," Calvert said.

Currently, only five per cent of Saskatchewan's uranium goes to Japan. The premier met with Idemitsu President Mr. Akihiko Tenbo to thank them for their investment in the Cigar Lake uranium mine and encourage him to expand Idemitsu's investment.

At the Chamber lunch, the premier highlighted Saskatchewan's high-tech capacities, especially the synchrotron, Saskatchewan manufacturing such as the Hitachi plant, and the potential for Japanese tourism in Saskatchewan.

"The Japanese tourist is now spending two to three weeks on their Canadian holidays," Calvert noted. "They have the time to come to Saskatchewan and see Canadian things that are unique to this province, such as the RCMP Depot and Museum, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, our incredible North with its forests and 100,000 lakes and our unbelievable sunsets and northern lights."

The premier emphasized that Saskatchewan is a safe, clean and welcoming place to visit. Last year 7,700 Japanese tourists visited Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691