Regina, Saskatchewan – Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) released its first Saskatchewan State-of-Trade report today. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) invested $180,000 towards STEP to determine how Saskatchewan’s exports and imports are competing in the global economy. “The Government of Canada wants to encourage a productive, growing and sustainable economy in every region and every province of the country,”said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance, on behalf of Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Minister of State (Sport). “Through STEP’s State-of-Trade report, Saskatchewan’s business leaders will have the information at their fingertips to make the decisions they need to develop the province’s economy.” “A consistent review of trade values is essential in a province which derives most of its income from creating value for customers beyond our borders,” said John Treleaven, President and CEO of STEP. “STEP would like to thank Western Economic Diversification Canada for their support on such an important initiative. This first edition sheds light on a whole range of issues which will assist government and private sector companies shape their policies and plans for the future.” Among its many findings, the initial report concluded that: Saskatchewan’s exports are competitive in both international and domestic markets. Over the past 10 years, Saskatchewan’s international exports have been the most important contributing factor to overall economic growth. International trade is generating jobs for Saskatchewan. The 14 international markets detailed in the State-of-Trade report accounted for 90 per cent of Saskatchewan’s exports and 98 per cent of Saskatchewan’s imports of goods in 2003. A Trade Team Saskatchewan working group, including members from STEP, WD, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatchewan Industry and Resources, Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food, and Saskatchewan Government Relations, oversaw the completion of this report. STEP is a unique public-private partnership led by industry. STEP works in partnership with Saskatchewan businesses to maximize commercial success in global ventures. STEP's team of professionals delivers custom export solutions and market intelligence to member companies across Saskatchewan. Federal funding for this initiative is included in the fiscal framework. For the full, electronic version of the State-of-Trade report, visit: www.sasktrade.sk.ca/html/stateoftrade.shtml www.wd.gc.ca/default_e.asp For additional information, contact: Joanne Mysak Manager, Communications Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon, SK Tel: (306) 975-5942 E-mail: joanne.mysak@wd.gc.ca Candace Phelps Director Market Intelligence Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership Regina, SK Tel: (306) 787-7940 E-mail: cphelps@sasktrade.sk.ca WD Toll-Free Number 1-888-338-WEST (9378) World Wide Web Site: English: http://www.wd.gc.ca French: http://www.deo.gc.ca STEP Toll-Free Number 1-877-313-7244
