Summary of Meeting with Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, United States

Premier Smith had a very positive meeting with Mr. Kevin Hassett, the esteemed Director of the National Economic Council in the United States. The conversation was centered around enhancing the trade relations between Alberta and the U.S., which is a critical aspect of our ongoing efforts to strengthen our economic ties and foster mutually beneficial growth.

The meeting was marked by a constructive exchange of ideas and insights into various opportunities that can be leveraged to bolster our economic partnership. The discussions were engaging and highlighted the potential for increased collaboration across multiple sectors, including energy, agriculture, technology, and investment.

Premier Smith expressed his appreciation for the longstanding friendship between our nations and reiterated Alberta's commitment to a fair and reciprocal trade relationship. Mr. Hassett reciprocated with an interest in exploring these avenues further and shared the U.S. perspective on global economic matters that could potentially impact our collaborations.

Key points discussed during the meeting included:

1. Identifying new trade opportunities to expand the export of Alberta's high-quality goods and services to the U.S. market.
2. The importance of securing reliable and efficient cross-border trade infrastructure to facilitate the movement of goods and enhance competitiveness.
3. Addressing any barriers or challenges that may arise in the trade environment, with a view to ensuring a level playing field for businesses.
4. The potential for strategic investments in innovative technologies and emerging sectors that align with both our economies' strengths and goals.
5. The shared commitment to environmental stewardship and how this can be integrated into our economic partnerships to promote sustainable growth.
6. The need for collaboration on international trade agreements that would benefit our respective economies.

Both parties agreed to maintain open lines of communication and to work closely together to explore these opportunities in greater depth. The Premier is particularly keen on setting up follow-up meetings to continue these discussions and translate our shared vision into tangible actions.

We are optimistic about the prospects for deepening our relationship with the U.S. and are eager to capitalize on the insights gained from today's meeting. We look forward to engaging with Mr. Hassett and his team in the future to ensure that Alberta remains a strong and vibrant player in the global economic landscape.

Thank you for your ongoing support and hard work in advancing our province's interests.