This release was issued under a previous government.
The historic Framework Agreement on Sustainable Energy Development, signed by Alberta Energy Minister Ken Hughes and China’s National Energy Administration Chief Wu Xinxiong, is a framework that seeks to set out concrete actions to strengthen trade ties.
“Energy security is a key driver for Chinese energy policy. Alberta’s abundance of energy resources, strong regulatory regime and welcoming environment for investment make the two jurisdictions natural partners. Today marks a significant milestone in the advancement of Alberta-China energy relations.”
This non-binding intergovernmental agreement is the first of its kind between the Chinese central government and a sub-national government of Canada. It’s aligned with the existing Natural Resources Canada and National Energy Administration agreement.
The signing in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing was also attended by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Canadian Governor General David Johnston, signaling the significance of Alberta and China’s future energy trade and collaboration.
Hughes is in Asia to discuss expanding market access for energy commodities. To date, he has:
- Highlighted Alberta opportunities with Korea at the World Energy Congress and the Canada-Korea Dialogue on Energy.
- Renewed a Memorandum of Understanding on joint energy initiatives with Korea’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.
- Promoted Alberta investment at the Calgary-China Investment Summit and the Canada-China Energy and Environment Forum, both held in Beijing.
The Minister will conclude his Asia mission by meeting with Japanese industry and government officials.
Our government was elected to keep building Alberta, to contribute to the province’s competitive and growing economy, and to fight to open new global markets for Alberta’s resources. We will continue to deliver the responsible change Albertans voted for.
Multimedia
Updated: October 18, 4:30pm to remove conference call info and add photo