Alberta-China Economic Relationship

Background        

Alberta’s economic relationship with China was forged during the 1960’s through shipments of Alberta grain to China.  This was the extent of their relationship until the 1980’s when trade was expanded to oil and gas equipment and services and several non-agricultural products.  In 1981, Alberta twinned with the Chinese province of Heilongjang and established a trade office in Hong Kong to foster trade between China and Alberta.

        China is a major economic partner of Alberta and is Alberta’s second largest trading partner.  According to Alberta International and Intergovernmental Relations, trading between the China and Alberta has more than doubled since 2003.  In 2003, Alberta exported approximately $950 million to China and nearly $2.8 billion in 2007.  Alberta primarily exports canola seed and oil, sulfur, nickel, antifreeze, polyethylene and woodpulp to China.  Imports from China in 2007 were $3.45 billion CDN and include computer and electronic products, telecommunications equipment and consumer goods.

Government Viewpoints

        Alberta has had a long standing trade relationship with China and is looking at ways to expand that relationship.  There are new opportunities in the science and technology market, and opportunities to expand trade in agriculture, energy, education and culture, and employment.

Science and technology is an emerging market for both China and Alberta.  There are several agreements between the two governments to cooperate and partner with each other in the areas of information communication technologies (ICT), live sciences, environmental and energy technologies, and hi-tech agricultural equipment/services.  Alberta is actively pursuing partnerships in Shanghai, Zhejian and Guandong to further business interests in science and technology.

Trade between Alberta and China started with agriculture, and China is now Alberta’s fourth largest agricultural export market.  Alberta is also working with China to improve China’s dairy and livestock industries; opportunities include seeds, rains, oilseeds, beef, canola, other food products, equipment, and agriculture consulting services.

Education is a major factor in the relationship between Alberta and China and has received an increasing focus in recent years.  Agreements with China’s Ministry of Education have resulted in the only special advisor on Chinese language programs in Canada being posted in Alberta.  Alberta also has the largest Chinese-English bilingual programs in the world.  The focus on education allows for a greater understanding between the two cultures and allows for better communication.  These benefits create more opportunities for cooperation and partnerships in business and other areas.

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The Alberta and Chinese governments see each other as potential suppliers and consumers of each other’s products and resources.  This is evident by the number of recent visits made by government officials to both Alberta and to China.  In June 2008, Deputy Premier and Minister of International and Intergovernmental Relations Ron Stevens spent 11 days in Asia meeting with government and industry contacts to help build relationships and gain insights to advance Alberta’s trade priorities.  In February 2008, China’s State Grain Administration visited Alberta.  In October 2007, Alberta’s Minister of Employment and Immigration, Iris Evans visited China to try to ...

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