This release was issued under a previous government.

Bolstering trade and investment ties in agriculture and energy will highlight Premier Alison Redford’s mission to Asia from September 8 - 17, attending concurrent events and meetings involving other Canadian Premiers and elected officials.

In Tianjin, China, the Premier will represent Alberta in a number of sessions as well as participate in a panel discussion on New Frontiers in Energy during the World Economic Forum (WEF). She will also meet with a number of high-level individuals attending the forum.

In Beijing, the Premier will join a mission of Canadian premiers at meetings with the People’s Republic of China as part of the Council of the Federation Mission to China 2012. In Hong Kong, Redford will deliver a keynote address at the New West Partnership Agriculture Ministers’ luncheon with Hong Kong agri-food representatives.

“Being a part of this mission is essential because Asia represents a target for market expansion with unprecedented economic potential for Alberta,” said Premier Redford. “As an export-based province, this mission is an excellent opportunity to continue to build upon and strengthen our relationship with such an important international partner.”

The mission builds on momentum established by the Premier in her meetings with business and government officials during her mission to Asia June 24-30.

The total estimated cost of the mission for the Premier and two staff, including airfare, transportation and meals is $66,895.

The WEF engages leaders in business, politics and academia in discussions on shaping global policy agendas. Learn more at http://www.weforum.org/

The New West Partnership is an agreement of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia creating Canada's largest interprovincial barrier-free trade and investment market. Learn more at http://www.newwestpartnership.ca/

The Council of the Federation is an institution created by Canada’s premiers to foster collaboration among the 13 provinces and territories. Learn more at http://www.councilofthefederation.ca/index.html

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Backgrounder: Itinerary for Premier Redford.

Media inquiries may be directed to:
Kim Misik
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
780-422-4905
587-985-9856 (cell)
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.

Backgrounder

Itinerary for Premier Redford *

Saturday, September 8

Depart for China.

Sunday, September 9

Travel day

Monday, September 10

Arrive in Tianjin, China
Represent Alberta at the World Economic Forum dinner and meet with senior executives from the Infrastructure, Energy and Mobility Industries who are part of the annual meeting of “New Champions”

Tuesday, September 11

Participate in the World Economic Forum
Attend New West Partnership reception with Premiers from British Columbia and Saskatchewan.

Wednesday, September 12

Participate in discussions at the World Economic Forum CEO Roundtable on Strategic Emerging Industries in Energy
Deliver remarks and participate as a panel member at the Frontiers of Energy Panel
Bilateral meetings with World Economic Forum delegates

Thursday, September 13

Travel to Beijing
Join provincial and territorial premiers for the Council of the Federation Mission to China 2012
Meetings with senior representatives of China National Offshore Oil Corporation.
Meeting with the People’s Republic of China Ministry of Commerce
Represent Alberta at Council of the Federation opening reception, in coordination with Canada China Business Council

Friday, September 14

Council of the Federation meetings with Chinese government.
Attend reception for Council of the Federation Premiers’ mission hosted by the Chinese government.

Saturday, September 15 & Sunday September, 16

Travel to Hong Kong
Private time

Monday, September 17

Meeting with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Deliver keynote speech at New West Partnership Agriculture Ministers Mission Luncheon with Hong Kong agri-food representatives
Meet with executives of China Life Insurance (Overseas) Co. Ltd.
Meet with executives of China Investment Corporation International (HK) Ltd.
Depart for Canada.

*Itinerary is subject to change.

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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Kim Misik
Press Secretary
Office of the Premier
780-422-4905
587-985-9856 (cell)
[email protected]

To call toll free within Alberta dial 310-0000.