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By rdnewsNOW Staff

ECONOMY

Alberta trade minister pitching business potential in United Arab Emirates

Feb 21, 2025 | 12:40 PM

Alberta’s trade minister plans to pitch the province as a reliable trading partner ripe for investment in a six-day trip to the United Arab Emirates.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade Matt Jones will meet with potential investors and government officials to discuss areas of opportunity and shared interests in energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence and technology.

Officials say the effort is intended to build on the minister’s fall 2024 UAE trip and comes amid calls for Canada to diversify exports in the face of potential U.S. tariffs.

“Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to diversify its trade relationships around the world,” Jones said in a statement.

“The UAE is a key market for Alberta-based companies looking to expand and diversify their exports. This trade mission will help enhance Alberta’s trade relationship with the Middle East, strengthening this economic partnership for many years to come.”

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While in the UAE, Jones will attend Investopia, an annual conference connecting investors, business leaders and governments to address economic changes, challenges and innovations.

Jones will leave Saturday for the trip and return next Thursday. He’ll be joined by one staff member and mission expenses will be posted online, officials said.

Alberta reports that the UAE is the province’s 14th-largest trading partner.

In 2023, the government says Alberta’s exports to the UAE reached almost $242 million, with top exports including food and agriculture, machinery and metal, and stone or glass.

Also in 2023, Alberta imported about $67.8 million worth of goods from the UAE, including iron or steel, jewelry, plastic and iron pipes, chemicals and cargo containers.