A virtual showcase of Saskatchewan exports will be held this week by the Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership. The SaskTrade Showcase will be a virtual event, that will connect Saskatchewan exporters and companies with international participants.
President and CEO of STEP, Chris Dekker, says Saskatchewan is one of the most export dependent provinces, in one of the most export dependent countries in the world. He says STEP normally organizes between 40-45 international trade missions every year but COVID-19 restrictions have prevented that engagement, and STEP wants Saskatchewan to continue to be engaged on the international stage.
The showcase will include 790 participants from over 70 countries, with 249 booths featuring Saskatchewan exporters. Dekker says the platform will have the look and feel of an actual tradeshow. It will start with a lobby detailing basic information on Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan export opportunities. Then participants will find 5 exhibits with focus on food and agriculture, agricultural technology and equipment, energy and mining, information technology solutions and manufacturing and professional services. 20 webinars will also be streamed during the showcase which is on Monday until Thursday.
Dekker says since about March, due to travel restrictions, STEP has organized 59 virtual trade missions, 7 virtual trade shows and attended 4 virtual trade conferences. This will be their first live event and will facilitate direct meetings between suppliers and buyers in real-time. Dekker says STEP spent a great deal of time promoting the event internationally, to make sure there were registrants from around the world.
For more information: https://sasktradeshowcase.com/
(CJWW)