This release was issued under a previous government.

Minister Bilous will travel to China and Korea March 18 – 31 to meet with key industry and government leaders to highlight Alberta as one of the best places to do business. The mission will focus on forging new partnerships, expanding existing trade markets and promoting investment opportunities in Alberta’s energy, agriculture, forestry, tourism and petrochemical sectors. 

"Given the challenges Alberta’s economy is facing, accessing new and more diverse markets for businesses throughout Alberta and attracting investment to our province is a priority for our government. As part of Alberta’s plan to grow the economy and create jobs, we will be meeting face-to-face with government and business leaders in the Asia-Pacific region. On this trade mission I will continue to promote Alberta as a great place to invest—opening doors and promoting critical trade and investment opportunities that will help Alberta companies diversify their businesses and create jobs."

Deron Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade

"The Asian market is important to ‎sustainable investment in Alberta’s petrochemical industry. As Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region, AIHA is pleased to be part of the Minister’s mission where we will continue to build relationships and advance the goals of diversification and adding value to our Alberta resources."

Coun. Ed Gibbons, Chair, Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association

China and Korea are Alberta’s second and fifth largest trading partners, respectively. Last year, Alberta’s trade with China and Korea totaled more than $3.8 billion, with potential for further growth.

The estimated cost for travel, meals, accommodations, ground transportation, receptions and meeting costs for Minister Bilous, one political and one departmental staff is $65,820.

Itinerary for Minister Deron Bilous*

Date

Event

Friday, March 18

  • Depart Edmonton

Saturday, March 19

  • Arrive Hong Kong

Sunday, March 20

  • Meet with Ron Hoffmann, Alberta’s Senior Representative for the Asia Pacific Basin
  • Witness Memorandum of Understanding signing between Can-China Global Resources Fund and Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association

Monday, March 21

  • Meet with President of the Canada-ASEAN Business Council
  • Meet with Hong Kong Trade and Development Corporation
  • Attend business roundtable with Board of Governors of the Canada-Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce
  • Meet with key stakeholders
  • Travel to Guangzhou

Tuesday, March 22

  • Meet with Consul General of Canada in Guangzhou
  • Meet with key stakeholders
  • Meet with Director General, Department of Commerce of Guangdong Province

Wednesday, March 23

  • Travel to Shanghai
  • Meet with key stakeholders

Thursday, March 24

  • Meet with Consul General of Canada in Shanghai
  • Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce
  • Meet with Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality
  • Meet with key stakeholders

Friday, March 25

  • Travel to Hangzhou
  • Meet with Zhejiang Provincial Department of Science and Technology
  • Meet with key stakeholders

Saturday, March 26

  • Travel to Beijing

Sunday, March 27

  • Participate in Canada Beef International Institute event for Alberta beef promotion

Monday, March 28

  • Meet with Ministry of Commerce
  • Meet with Canada’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China
  • Meet with key stakeholders

Tuesday, March 29

  • Attend China International Petroleum & Petrochemical Technology and Equipment Exhibition and meet with participating Alberta companies
  • Travel to Seoul

Wednesday, March 30

  • Meet with officials from the Alberta Korea Office
  • Meet with Canada’s Ambassador to the Republic of Korea
  • Meet with key stakeholders

Thursday, March 31

  • Meet with Chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Korea
  • Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Korean Importers Association
  • Participate in Canada Beef International Institute promotion event
  • Travel to Edmonton

*Subject to change.