TEAM SASKATCHEWAN PROMOTES FORESTRY OPPORTUNITIES

Team Saskatchewan, led by Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline, is on its way to promote the province's forestry opportunities at the world's foremost forestry event. The World Forestry Congress is taking place September 21st-28th in Quebec City and more than 5,000 industry leaders, experts and investors are expected to attend.

"Saskatchewan offers immense opportunity and tremendous advantages for forest industry growth," Cline said. "With rich forest reserves and a competitive business climate, we are well positioned to develop both the primary and value-added sides of this industry. There is plenty of opportunity for businesses ranging from saw mills to housing-component manufacturers."

Saskatchewan will have a trade booth at the exhibit and members of Team Saskatchewan have set up meetings with several leading forestry companies to discuss these advantages and to encourage further expansion and investment in the province.

The team, composed of public and private sector leaders, was assembled to undertake investment missions to key industry gatherings where Saskatchewan is promoted as an excellent place in which to invest and do business. Membership is flexible to accommodate a variety of targeted sectors and members for the Quebec City trip represent government, industry and business leaders.

"The World Forestry Congress offers a first-rate opportunity to network with science and business leaders from around the world," Saskatchewan Forest Centre CEO Robin Woodward said. "It brings together all of the latest technologies and opportunities for managing the world's forests in an environmental and economically sustaining manner. It's a great opportunity for Team Saskatchewan to meet with companies that may be interested in partnering in sustainable development of our resources."

In addition to the province's investment opportunities, Cline plans to advance the potential of Saskatchewan's value-added sector.

"This is an area that is essentially wide open for growth," Cline said. "It's still very much in its infancy but is growing rapidly thanks to Saskatchewan's great infrastructure. There's no limit to how large it can grow."

Saskatchewan is more than half covered by forest. The industry injects more than $750 million annually into the provincial economy and is the source for approximately one in every 50 jobs province-wide.

Team Saskatchewan is part of the government's Our Future is Wide Open efforts to attract business investment to the province.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277