Trade deals helping province boost exports: minister

A provincial government news release issued on Monday reported a strong economic finish for 2023-24.

Among the positive numbers highlighted in the release was nearly $50 billion worth of goods exported to 163 countries, including more than $20 billion in agrifood products.

Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison credited people working at the province's overseas trade offices.

“This success is only possible through the strong relationships we continue to build internationally.”

The government said the trade offices supported events in a range of countries, including Japan, Germany and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), generating 190 trade deals with sales of more than $7 million.

New measures to try to attract more foreign investment include the launch of Investsk.ca and other incentives aimed at attracting investment, including incentives for mineral exploration, the government noted.

The government also pointed to the signing of memorandums of understanding (MOUS) between Saskatchewan universities and other post-secondary institutions with their foreign counterparts.

Cameco spokesman David Doerksen noted the uranium mining company joined provincial leaders at the recent COP28 meetings in Dubai to talk about the role of uranium and nuclear energy in the battle against climate change.

“Together, we sent a clear message that Cameco and Saskatchewan can energize a clean-air world,” Doerksen said.

The province reported $12.4 billion in private sector capital investment last year, up 24.6 per cent, with an expected increase of 14.4 per cent to $14.2 billion this year.