(REGINA) – June 12, 2008 – Export Development Canada (EDC) today announced it is opening an office in Regina to better serve its customers and partners in Saskatchewan. Since 2004, EDC's business volume in Saskatchewan has grown by 67 per cent to reach 2.6 billion.
"This new office is a reflection of Saskatchewan's economic strength, which has been growing steadily while its exports have been consistently outpacing many other provinces," said Glen Millard, EDC's new Senior Account Manager for Saskatchewan. "Saskatchewan's export picture is very diversified, and EDC will be playing an active role, along with its local partners, in finding innovative commercial solutions to help grow Saskatchewan's international trade, particularly in the agrifood, energy and industrial goods sectors."
EDC has enjoyed a positive working relationship with Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP). STEP and EDC have been very active in making Saskatchewan a destination for international business visitors looking to purchase from Canada through the AG-Equipment Initiative. STEP and EDC have also increased the number of attendees to the Farm Progress Show from the Ukraine, Russia and Kazakhstan.
Saskatchewan will lead the country in export growth in 2008, driven by strong external demand for potash and uranium, and high wheat and coarse grain prices. The province's overall export dependency on the U.S is among the lowest in Canada, which will prove very beneficial given the current economic conditions south of the border. EDC also expects an increase in the province's export growth of 2 per cent in 2009 according to its Spring 2008 Provincial Export Forecast.
"The Regina office is the most recent example of EDC's efforts to put more people where exporters are most active," said Benoit Daignault, Senior Vice-President of Business Development. "EDC's expansion in Saskatchewan is timely as global demand in the agrifood and energy sectors continues to grow, but our view is much longer term and will focus on helping to grow small companies into large companies through international trade and participating in global supply chains."
Mr. Millard will be responsible for all of Saskatchewan's customers and prospects. He has been actively involved in promoting Saskatchewan trade for many years, serving as an Executive Director for both STEP and Nextrade. Mr. Millard has a certificate in Business Administration from Conestoga College and a certificate in International Business from Confederation College School of Business, as well as earning his Certified International Trade Professional credential from the Forum for International Trade Training in Ottawa.
EDC is Canada's export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC's knowledge and partnerships are used by nearly 7,000 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining, is a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis, and has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for seven consecutive years.
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Media contact:
Phil Taylor
Export Development Canada
Tel: (613) 598-2904
Blackberry: ptaylor@edc.ca
Glen Millard
Senior Account Manager, Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 586-1727
Blackberry: gmillard@edc.ca
