REGINA – Business for Saskatchewan exporters continues to soar, in large part due to Asian markets.
Exports rose 4.3 per cent during the first six months of 2013, generating more than $17.5 billion in sales.
Those number put the province on pace to surpass its annual export record set in 2012.
Exports to Asian countries such as India, China and Japan were all up and total exports outside the United States also rose by 10 per cent.
“These numbers are evidence our economy is strong and diversified and testify to the strength of Saskatchewan businesses that are producing goods and services in demand around the world,” said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall.
“Our government’s growth agenda has focused on Asia. We have completed a number of precedent setting trade missions to the region and we are in the midst of planning our next Asian trade mission.
“Saskatchewan’s future prosperity depends on building strong trade connections to the world’s fastest growing region.”
Oil and gas continue to be the main export for Saskatchewan, producing $6.3 billion in sales in the first six months of the year.
Potash exports came in second at $3.4 billion and wheat exports third at $1.7 billion.
“The demand for Saskatchewan goods and services continues to be strong in a cross section of STEP member-related sectors,” said Lionel LaBelle, president and CEO for the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP).
“The results coming out of Saskatchewan speak to the proven success of provincial exporters and their ability to provide the world with what STEP members produce.”
Saskatchewan is the fourth largest exporter among the provinces.
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