Moe to lead trade mission to India

Saskatchewan is looking to strengthen ties with a country that’s already one of its major trading partners.

Premier Scott Moe is to lead a trade and investment mission to India to discuss such issues as mineral and natural resource development, agriculture, post-secondary education and sustainability.

“Saskatchewan has been working alongside India for many years and I’m proud of the relationships we’ve built in that time,” Moe said in a media release. “I’m excited to share Saskatchewan’s innovative solutions with India and focus on the trade and investment opportunities that exist now and into the future.”

Saskatchewan opened a trade and investment office in New Delhi in March 2021 and, in 2022, total exports to India from the province were valued at $1.4 billion. According to the provincial government, more than 50 per cent of lentils imported into India are from Saskatchewan.

Moe is to be joined on the trip by Gordon McKenzie, the chief executive officer of Canpotex. He’ll look to expand the province’s exports of potash to India.

“Saskatchewan potash is vital to India’s food security goals. India is one of Canpotex’s largest markets, and we have reliably supplied India with high-quality Saskatchewan potash for 50 years,” McKenzie said. “We deeply value the relationships we’ve established in India, and we will continue to be their reliable, stable partner in achieving food security.”

The government noted that more than 41 per cent of international post-secondary students in Saskatchewan are from India, so the mission also will include representatives from Saskatchewan Polytechnic. The school currently has two offices in India and is looking to expand its presence in the country.