SASKATCHEWAN AND CHILE SIGN DEAL

Saskatchewan has signed an expanded agricultural agreement with Chile, on the

third day of a business development mission to that country and Panama.



Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon and Chile's

Agriculture Minister Jaime Campos signed the agreement today in Chile's

capital, Santiago. MacKinnon said it will lead to new prospects for

Saskatchewan producers and companies.



"We see tremendous opportunities in Chile for new markets in pulse crops, durum

wheat and livestock," MacKinnon said. "Saskatchewan also has a huge window of

opportunity here, as a result of the recently signed Canada-Chile Free Trade

Agreement. That agreement gives our companies a competitive advantage over

companies in many other countries, including the United States."



Chile is already a significant market for Saskatchewan, the minister said.

Saskatchewan exports more goods and services to Chile than larger Canadian

provinces like Quebec. In addition to agriculture, there is great potential

for expanded exports in such areas as pre-fabricated housing and environmental

services.



She noted sales of pre-fabricated houses to Chile have increased 34 per cent in

the last three years. The free trade agreement's provisions for environmental

co-operation also mean new opportunities for Saskatchewan environmental

companies to market their expertise to Chile's public and private sectors.



"Chile is also a gateway to other markets in Latin America," MacKinnon said.

"It is fiscally and economically stable, and a good and easy place in which to

do business. Therefore, it is a good point for many companies to begin access

to Latin American countries.



"As well, many Chilean companies have partners or branches in other parts of

Latin America. These contacts can help our companies access other markets in

the region."



Eight Saskatchewan companies and educational institutions are on the trade

mission, which heads to Panama on Saturday. The Saskatchewan Trade and Export

Partnership (STEP) is co-ordinating the mission.



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For more information contact:



Bob Ellis Gerry Adamson

Economic and Co-operative Development STEP

Regina Regina

Phone (306) 787-1691 Phone (306) 787-9210