TRADE MISSION HEADS TO CHILE AND PANAMA

Saskatchewan businesses are heading on a trade mission to Panama and Chile to

develop new markets and strengthen existing ones.



Eight companies and educational institutions are bound for the two countries to

work on trade deals. They will also be exploring several opportunities to put

Saskatchewan technology and knowledge to work on various international

development projects.



Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon is leading the

January 15th-24th business development mission. It is co-ordinated by the

Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP), the industry/government

partnership that oversees trade development for the province.



"Saskatchewan has established solid ties of business and friendship with Panama

and this mission will allow us to build on those relationships," MacKinnon

said. "The opportunities emerging in Chile for Saskatchewan companies are

becoming significant and this mission will set the stage for future development

of this important market."



MacKinnon and the delegation will pursue opportunities in Panama in sectors

like mining, project management, environment, agriculture, education and

training, as well as developmental projects in indigenous communities. In

Chile, the delegation will build on previous exchanges and initial development

work to explore opportunities in pre-fabricated housing, environmental and

agricultural projects. MacKinnon also expects to sign a broad agricultural

agreement with Chile.



Accompanying the minister are representatives of Saskatoon-based Canglobal

Management , Nu-Fab Building Products Ltd., and Envista Technologies, Canada

Livestock Services of Lloydminster, Clifton Associates Ltd. of Regina,

Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, Saskatchewan Indian

Institute of Technology, and the University of Regina.



STEP is also representing a number of other Saskatchewan companies on the trip.



"Trade missions such as this one are an important part of our efforts to

generate new business opportunities in the global marketplace," Canglobal

Management President Laurel O'Connor said. "The presence of a minister will

give us greater access to decision-makers in Panama and Chile, and will

heighten our ability to form lasting business relationships."



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For more information, contact:



Bob Ellis Inge Ryan / Gerry Adamson

Economic and Co-operative Development STEP

Regina Regina

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