Boyd leads ‘fortuitous’ mission
REGINA — Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd is heading up a two-week mission to China and Australia aimed at bolstering investment in the province’s uranium, potash and oil industries.
Boyd’s trip to China comes on the heels of a visit by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, during which he announced an agreement had been struck to allow for future Canadian uranium shipments to that country.
The agreement was hailed as good news for the province, which had been seeking an agreement that would allow producers to directly sell Saskatchewan yellowcake to China for use in nuclear energy generation.
“It certainly is fortuitous,” said Boyd of the timing of his visit.
“I believe that the relationship with China and our federal government is very good and strong and as a result of that we’re very encouraged by the reception that we are receiving in terms of setting up meetings.”
Uranium is likely to be a focus during meetings in Beijing, Boyd said.
“Uranium is certainly very important to the Chinese in terms of energy production going forward. We’ll be obviously wanting to talk about that a great deal.”
The minister said oil is another area of emphasis, as Saskatchewan hopes the eventual construction of a pipeline to the west coast will facilitate sales to Asia.
The delegation, which includes four government officials, is also scheduled to meet with Chinese company Sinofert, a major buyer of Saskatchewan potash.
Private companies and government agencies that Boyd will meet with in China also include the China Investment Corporation, the China National Nuclear Corporation, Canpotex, the China Development Bank, the China National Offshore Oil Corporation, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade.
The minister will also sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on scientific and technical research co-operation on uranium geology with the Beijing Research Institute of Uranium Geology, a research establishment of the China National Nuclear Corporation.
Boyd will also stop in Adelaide and Melbourne during the Australian leg of the trip where there will be meetings with BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto, international mining companies developing potash and uranium projects in the province.
The government said missions such as Boyd’s help reinforce with existing and potential investors the advantages of doing business in resource-rich Saskatchewan.