Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit is on a trade mission to Southeast Asia and the Middle East to promote the province’s products.
The Feb. 6-14 trip includes a stop at the Pulses Conclave, where he will deliver a keynote address.
The United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh and India are priority markets for Saskatchewan and the trade mission goal is to expand and strengthen trade, research and investment ties while increasing understanding of needs in these markets.
In 2018, the UAE and Bangladesh bought more than $500 million worth of Saskatchewan exports. India is a major export destination for pulses, the recent trade barriers notwithstanding.
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According to a government news release, Saskatchewan was the top supplier of canola seed to the UAE in 2018 and accounted for 35 percent of the country’s imports.
The province is also Bangladesh’s top supplier of canola seed and the second largest provider of wheat, lentils and dry peas.
Tomorrow #SKAgriculture Minister Marit will travel to priority markets UAE, Bangladesh and India. His trip will aim to expand & strengthen trade and improve research & investment ties with stakeholders from Feb. 6-14. pic.twitter.com/QDtvToBv5b
— Sask Agriculture (@SKAgriculture) February 5, 2020
Exports to India averaged $855 million over the last five years.
The trade mission, which includes members of the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership and the Global Institute for Food Security, began in Dubai and continues in Dhaka, then to Mumbai and Lonavala for the fifth biennial Pulses Conclave.
Marit’s speech there will key in on further opportunities to improve trade relations between Canada and India.
Contact karen.briere@producer.com
