SASKATCHEWAN FORGING STRONGER ECONOMIC TIES WITH INDIA

The long and productive relationship between Saskatchewan companies and one of the world's largest and fastest-growing economies is being reinforced with a government-led trade mission to India this week.

Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart is leading a delegation on a 10-day trip to meet with business, academic, government and research contacts in India, as well as with interests in key resource sectors like uranium, diamonds, and oil and gas. The delegation includes representation from Saskatchewan's two universities and the Saskatchewan Research Council.

"This is an opportunity for us to promote our resource sector, our agriculture value-added and environmental industries and our science and technology sectors for the development of trade and investment with our current and future partners in India," Stewart said. "Even though we are not immune to the effects of the current global economic climate, the fact remains that Saskatchewan has what the world needs. It is more important than ever to continue networking and building relationships with our markets around the world."

Saskatchewan is a major exporter of potash, peas, chick peas and lentils to India, with other exports including mustard seed, canary seed, malt and wheat flour. Saskatchewan universities and research institutions in the biotechnology, information communication and technology, and engineering areas are active in India as well, and are seeking to increase Indian investment in the province.

Saskatchewan's current priorities in India also include education and immigration. Past delegations have visited India to discuss and sign education partnerships.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: jamie.shanks@gov.sk.ca