Scott Moe in India this week to promote Saskatchewan trade

Saskatchewan’s premier is leading a trade delegation in India.

According to the Ministry of Trade and Export Development, Premier Scott Moe is visiting India from Tuesday through Saturday to help maintain and promote trade opportunities, attract new investments, and “showcase Saskatchewan’s capacity to foster food and energy security goals.”

The mission, the ministry said, will focus on natural resources, agriculture and sustainability. In 2023, the ministry noted, Saskatchewan’s agri-food exports to India added up to more than $700 million.

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Canada’s total exports to India were valued at $5.1 billion last year, the ministry said, and Saskatchewan was responsible for $1.3 billion, or 26 per cent. Saskatchewan’s largest exports to India last year were lentils, potash, wood pulp, peas and non-durum wheat.

During the trip, Moe will be speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, an annual conference held in New Delhi that discusses global issues. Moe’s address is expected to focus on Saskatchewan’s sustainable agricultural practices and reliable supply chains.

“This is an important mission for Saskatchewan as we continue to build relationships with India,” the premier said in a statement.

“We have built strong relationships over a number of decades which has been crucial to building opportunities and protecting communities and jobs back home.”

Moe will also be joined by representatives from the University of Saskatchewan, who are expected to sign a memorandum of understanding with Indian tech company QPiAI.

“USask is eager to build ongoing and new partnerships in India as these opportunities support our mission to be what the world needs,” Baljit Singh, the university’s vice-president of research, said in a statement.

“We are committed to strengthening Saskatchewan through academia, research and innovation and look forward to working with Premier Moe’s team on this mission.”

In a social media post, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, India’s minister of external affairs, said he appreciated Moe’s support for the partnership between the province and India.

Great to meet @PremierScottMoe from Saskatchewan province of Canada today.

An important supplier of potash, lentils and uranium. Saskatchewan’s Indian origin community has truly been a bridge between us.

Appreciate @PremierScottMoe’s strong support for our partnership and… pic.twitter.com/DDtpwqtJCB

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 20, 2024

“An important supplier of potash, lentils and uranium. Saskatchewan’s Indian origin community has truly been a bridge between us,” Jaishankar wrote.