Alberta premier heads to Japan, South Korea on trade mission
EDMONTON — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is in Japan and South Korea this week as part of a mission to strengthen economic ties and promote Alberta’s energy, agriculture and technology sectors.
The premier’s trip began on April 18 and will continue until April 26. Her visit will include meetings with government officials, importers and industry leaders across both countries.
While in Japan, Smith will promote Alberta as a key partner in helping meet that country’s growing demand for energy and food security. The province is aiming to deepen ties in oil, natural gas, hydrogen and agri-food exports.
“Japanese investment in Alberta’s energy sector has helped fuel our economy and support jobs for Albertans,” Smith said in a statement. “We’re well positioned to support Japan’s efforts to diversify and secure its energy supply.”
The premier will also mark the 45th anniversary of Alberta’s sister-province relationship with Hokkaido and explore further cooperation in areas such as agriculture, cultural exchange and education.
In South Korea, Smith will visit Gangwon region to reaffirm Alberta’s longest-standing sister-province relationship. The visit follows a trip to Alberta last year by Gangwon Governor Kim Jin Tae, which celebrated 50 years of ties between the two jurisdictions.
While in Korea, Smith is expected to meet with both public- and private-sector leaders to promote investment in Alberta’s energy, agri-food and innovation sectors.
“Our twinning relationships with Hokkaido and Gangwon State reflect decades of successful partnership,” Smith said. “This mission will help strengthen those ties and open new doors for collaboration and investment.”
South Korean companies have already made significant investments in Alberta, with several firms establishing Canadian headquarters in Calgary. The Alberta government says the mission aims to attract further investment and foster long-term economic growth.
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