OTTAWA: Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has welcomed the opportunity to accompany Prime Minister Mark Carney on his upcoming visit to China, describing the trip as a chance to reset and strengthen relations between Ottawa and Beijing, Canadian media reported.
âI am pleased to join Prime Minister Carney as we advance interests that are important to Canadians,â Moe said in a statement quoted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC). He added that discussions with Chinese leaders could help recalibrate CanadaâChina ties.
Saskatchewan plays a central role in Canadaâs agricultural exports, particularly canola. The province produces about 55 percent of Canadaâs total canola output and accounts for roughly 21 percent of global canola oil exports, according to Saskatchewan government data.
In 2024, Canada exported nearly $5 billion worth of canola seed, oil, and meal to China, with more than half of that volume originating from Saskatchewan. China was also Saskatchewanâs second-largest export destination that year, importing close to $4 billion in agri-food products.
Prime Minister Carney is scheduled to visit China from January 14 to 17, marking the first visit by a Canadian prime minister in eight years. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said Beijing attaches great importance to the visit.
In a statement released on January 7, the Canadian Prime Ministerâs Office said the trip aims to deepen engagement on trade, energy, agriculture, and international security.
Mao said stable and constructive ChinaâCanada relations serve the shared interests of both countries and contribute to global peace, stability, and development. She added that China hopes the visit will enhance dialogue, build political trust, expand practical cooperation, manage differences, and further improve bilateral relations for the benefit of both peoples.
