RJ Sigurdson (Government of Alberta)

By rdnewsNOW staff

Strengthening Foreign Investment

Sigurdson spotlighting Alberta’s agri-foods in Mexico

Sep 29, 2024 | 3:05 PM

Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson is promoting Alberta’s world-class agriculture industry and agri-food products during a trade mission to Mexico.

Provincial officials say Alberta’s agriculture industry is a global leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovative practices. The government says promoting Alberta’s agriculture abroad is essential not only to showcase its strengths but also to attract foreign investment and build strategic partnerships to ensure a thriving agricultural sector that supports jobs and food security.

Minister Sigurdson will travel to Mexico to meet agri-businesses, government officials, industry leaders and investors to strengthen relations and expand investment and trade opportunities for Alberta’s agricultural industry. Government officials say the trade mission will also include meetings with prospective buyers to profile Alberta as a trusted supplier of high-quality agri-food products and support Alberta companies participating in the Food Tech Summit and Expo in Mexico City.

“Alberta offers investors a welcoming business climate and abundant, high-quality agricultural raw materials at competitive prices, with easy access to export markets,” says RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation. “This is an excellent opportunity for me to connect with Mexican leaders, investors and decision makers to discuss how we can grow and strengthen existing trade and investment relations. I’m excited to meet our partners in person to ensure Alberta’s ag businesses have access to market opportunities they need to expand and thrive.”

During meetings with investors, the government says Minister Sigurdson will promote the advantages of establishing agri-processing operations in Alberta. These discussions are expected to highlight Alberta’s commitment to red tape reduction, business-friendly policies, low taxes and access to incentives like the Agri-Processing Investment Tax Credit.

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Provincial officials say Mexico is a key agri-food trading partner with Alberta, with strong and long-standing relations built over 30 years. The government says the State of Jalisco and Alberta have shared a close and valuable association for many years, with the signing of the sister-state agreement in 1999 and its renewal in 2022. Officials say this connection has led to collaboration and growth in value-added food processing, forestry, firefighting and student exchange programs.

Minister Sigurdson will be joined by two staff. Mission expenses will be posted on the travel and expense disclosure page.

Itinerary for Minister Sigurdson

*Subject to change.

Alberta government quick facts

• Mexico is Alberta’s fourth-largest agriculture export market.
• Alberta’s top export products to Mexico include beef, canola seed, wheat, pork and malt.
• In 2023, agriculture and agri-food accounted for about 83 per cent of Alberta’s total exports to Mexico.
• Alberta is the second-largest provincial exporter of agri-food products to Mexico.
• In 2023, Alberta-Mexico bilateral trade was $2.9 billion.

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