Brian Jean, Minister of Energy and Minerals -Instagram Photo
EDMONTON — Alberta Energy and Minerals Minister Brian Jean is travelling to Japan and South Korea this week to promote Alberta energy exports and discuss expanding access to Asian markets.
Jean’s trade mission, scheduled for June 15 to 19, includes meetings with government officials, industry representatives and energy stakeholders in Tokyo and Seoul.
The province says the trip comes as Alberta works to increase export capacity and diversify energy markets, particularly in Asia, where demand for oil, natural gas and related energy products continues to grow.
Jean is expected to promote Alberta as a stable and reliable long-term energy supplier at a time when many countries are seeking alternatives to supply disruptions and price volatility in global energy markets.
“Nations around the world are searching for a dependable energy partner to reduce exposure to supply disruption and price volatility,” Jean said in a statement.
“I believe Alberta, with our vast reserves, strong regulation and high standards, is the natural solution and best choice for a global partnership.”
A key focus of the mission will be discussions surrounding a proposed new pipeline connecting Alberta crude to Canada’s west coast for export to Asian markets.
The Alberta government says those discussions will reinforce the province’s commitment to expanding energy infrastructure and increasing access to international markets.
The trip follows a memorandum of understanding signed between Alberta and the federal government aimed at advancing major energy infrastructure projects. The agreement identifies a proposed Indigenous co-owned Alberta oil pipeline to Asian markets as a project of national interest.
Jean is also expected to promote opportunities in Alberta’s natural gas sector, including propane and other energy products that are in demand across Asia.
The minister’s itinerary includes meetings in Tokyo on June 15 and 16 before travelling to Seoul for additional meetings June 17 through 19.
While in South Korea, Jean is also scheduled to tour an SK Energy refinery and the Korea National Oil Corporation’s strategic petroleum reserve.
The Alberta government says expenses related to the trip will be disclosed through its public travel and expense reporting system.
Alberta has increasingly focused on expanding overseas energy exports following the completion of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion, which has increased access to Pacific markets and contributed to growing shipments of Canadian crude to Asia.
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