SASKATCHEWAN CONTINUES TO STRENGTHEN TRADE RELATIONS WITH KAZAKHSTAN

Saskatchewan will continue to actively pursue, create and strengthen its trade relationships and business opportunities with foreign markets through a trade mission to Kazakhstan. The province has an extensive business relationship with Kazakhstan with the scope of these relations expanding beyond economic co-operation. The mission will focus on various sectors and include participation from industry representatives from the mining, education, agriculture and agriculture equipment sectors.

The mission is being jointly undertaken by Enterprise Saskatchewan, the province's agency responsible for economic development and Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP). Along with industry representatives, Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff will participate in the mission program which is scheduled to take place from October 23-30, in the cities of Almaty and Astana, Kazakhstan.

"This mission will present an opportunity to gain a stronger understanding of the development priorities for Kazakhstan while we showcase the achievements and capabilities of Saskatchewan industry," Cheveldayoff said. "The cross collaboration in the various sectors adds significant value to Saskatchewan's economy and we intend to build on this opportunity. Sustaining future co-operation and opportunities for growth is paramount in the mission program."

"STEP members recognize the opportunities in this region and they continue to have significant export and economic growth," STEP President and CEO Lionel LaBelle said. "2009 marks the 20th year of a Letter of Intent signed with the Province of Saskatchewan and the Republic of Kazakhstan, a former republic of the U.S.S.R. which aims to work together, on a best effort basis, to identity and investigate opportunities for future economic co-operation. This agreement continues to allow STEP members, companies and provincial organizations in the two jurisdictions to undertake co-operative initiatives resulting in mutually beneficial economic growth."

STEP is a non-profit, membership driven, government/industry partnership, designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan's export industry. STEP helps provincial businesses to realize global marketing opportunities 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. The team of professionals has the experience, knowledge and international contacts to help companies meet their international marketing objectives.

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For more information, contact:

Lionel LaBelle
Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP)
Regina
Phone: 306-227-8275
Email: llabelle@sasktrade.sk.ca