The committee will provide targeted insight on trade and investment opportunities with China, supporting government efforts to focus on partnerships that deliver results for Albertans. In 2025, Alberta’s exports to China were valued at almost $9.6 billion, making China Alberta’s largest export market after the U.S. and a priority market to attract further investment and grow key industries. Crude oil exports have increased significantly following completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline, reaching 220,700 barrels per day in 2025.

China represents significant demand for Alberta’s world-class agriculture, agri-food and energy products. Advancing this partnership further positions Alberta as a reliable global supplier of food and energy.

“China is already a key market for our energy, agriculture and agri-food products, and we are focused on expanding trade. This committee will help us take a strategic approach to this important international relationship, strengthen market access and secure more investment that creates jobs and grows Alberta’s economy.”

Danielle Smith, Premier

The Alberta-China Advisory Committee met for the inaugural meeting on April 8, in advance of the mission to China led by RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation and chair of the committee.

“Alberta’s farmers and ranchers produce the highest quality commodities in the world and China represents a key opportunity to expand markets for our world-class agriculture products. This committee will help ensure we understand the conditions necessary for our province to position ourselves so we can continue to maximize on trade opportunities in a changing global environment. The focus will be ensuring that Alberta agriculture remains competitive, connected and positioned for long-term growth.”

RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation

Committee members

Committee members have been selected based on their knowledge and expertise in business, academia, public policy and community leadership.

  • RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation (Chair)
  • Ms. Nina Bai, founder and director, Exceller Communication Consultant Inc.
  • Dr. Jinguang Hu, associate professor and Schulich Research Chair, University of Calgary
  • Mr. Nick Han, founder, Arveco Inc.
  • Mr. Ben Leung, executive director and CFO, Insignia Energy Ltd.
  • Ms. Grace Liu, director, Westar Travel
  • Mr. Jake Louie, president and CEO, Citiland Group
  • Mr. Bennett Wong, partner, Dentons Canada LLP
  • Dr. Benny Xu, Doctor of Acupuncture
  • Mr. Bo Yang, president, E.R. Bridge Express Logistics Ltd.
  • Mr. Gary Zhang, president, MRF Geosystems Corporation

The Alberta-China Advisory Committee aligns with recent federal efforts to expand Canada’s ties in the region, including new federal agreements to advance the Canada-China partnership.

Quick facts

  • The committee is an advisory body with no official decision-making authority and will convene up to four times a year.
  • Members are not remunerated, except for reimbursement of travel expenses.
  • Secretariat support is provided by the Ministry of Intergovernmental and International Relations, Executive Council.
  • In 2025, Alberta’s exports to China were valued at almost $9.6 billion, representing roughly 38 per cent of Alberta’s non-U.S. merchandise exports.
    • Top exports included energy, agriculture and agri-food, chemicals and plastics, forestry, metals, manufacturing and minerals.
  • Alberta and China have a long and historic relationship, with about 177,000 Chinese Canadians calling Alberta home, according to 2021 Census Data.
  • Alberta operates three international offices in mainland China that promote Alberta’s interests in the region, including offices in Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou.

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