WARTMAN LEADS ASIAN TRADE MISSION

Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman is currently leading a trade mission to Japan and China to explore and promote Saskatchewan investment and trade opportunities. The mission is taking place from January 21 to February 6.

"Strong business and governmental connections are essential to building a solid trading relationship," Wartman said. "This is an excellent opportunity for Saskatchewan to maintain and establish relationships to ensure continued market access and discuss current issues, such as tariffs."

As the world's largest net importer of agri-food products, Japan is a key market for Saskatchewan's agriculture and agri-food industry. In 2005, Saskatchewan exported approximately $486 million of agricultural products, mainly oilseeds, wheat and durum, barley and pork to Japan.

With an estimated population of 1.3 billion, China is projected to become the world's largest food and agri-products market within the next two decades. While wheat, barley and canola have traditionally been Saskatchewan's top exports to China, there has been export growth in recent years in the areas of peas, fresh pork and plants for pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Trade opportunities also exist in frozen, boneless cuts of pork, beef and poultry, western-style processed meat, functional foods, natural health products and biotechnology.

"There is a need for Saskatchewan to develop a strong profile related to agricultural export opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region," Wartman said. "My delegation will promote Saskatchewan as an excellent place to invest, and as a long-term supplier of quality agricultural products."

Wartman will meet with the Canadian wheat board's Beijing and Tokyo desks, China's Ministry of Agriculture and a number of food and grain processors.

The expertise of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, recipient of a 2006 Canada Awards for Excellence, has been utilized in establishing the terms and representation for the mission.

Editors Note: Minister Wartman will be available to speak to media about the trade mission via conference call. Media Advisory to follow.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Donna Rehirchuk Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: 306-787-2359 Email: drehirchuk@agr.gov.sk.ca