KAZAKHSTAN BUSINESS DELEGATION VISITS SASKATCHEWAN

Saskatchewan is hosting 28 buyers from Kazakhstan who are here June 12th to 20th, 2004 to learn more about made-in-Saskatchewan agricultural equipment.

The visit is a continuation of Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership's (STEP's) efforts to bring together Kazakh buyers and Saskatchewan sellers. STEP led two missions to Kazakhstan earlier this year that resulted in over $15 million in new and used equipment sales.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline will host a breakfast for the delegation.

"Saskatchewan investment in research and development has launched new types of innovative farm equipment that is exported all over the world," Cline said. "This distinguished delegation is part of a long term partnership resulting in more made-in-Saskatchewan farm equipment hard at work in the fields of Kazakhstan."

The balance of their program will involve meeting with Saskatchewan exporters, a visit to the Western Canada Farm Progress Show, and visiting a range of manufacturing facilities, service centres and farming operations around Saskatchewan.

"We are pleased that Kazakh producers appreciate Western Canadian seeding technology and have been told by them that this equipment operates extremely well under Kazakh conditions and fits in well with their farming practices," STEP Director of International Development Tim Marshall said.

The Republic of Kazakhstan is situated halfway around the world from Saskatchewan and its agriculture is a mirror image of that found here. With similar rainfall and extreme seasons, the use of Saskatchewan's dry-land farming technology is desirable for Kazakhstan's extensive grain production industry. The agricultural equipment market is estimated to be worth $300 million dollars in Kazakhstan as farmers look to modernize their equipment and grain storage facilities.

Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership has been actively pursuing opportunities for Saskatchewan exporters in this region since 1996. Saskatchewan has had a presence in the region since 1989, when leaders from Saskatchewan and Kazakhstan signed a co-operation agreement that focused on the development of agriculture.

STEP is a non-profit, membership-driven, government/industry partnership, designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan's export industry. STEP helps provincial businesses meet their international marketing objectives through specially tailored services and programs. STEP pursues growth in existing foreign markets and opens doors to new ones. Members include both businesses that are experienced and those that are new to international trade.

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For More Information, Contact:

Tim Marshall Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Regina Phone: (306) 787-2191 Cell: (306) 536-6469

Jennifer Redston Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277