Premier Smith:South Korea and Japan made one thing clear

My time in South Korea and Japan made one thing clear: these markets want to buy more Alberta energy and food - if only our federal government would step aside and support getting these commodities to market.

In Japan, I met with the Japan Gas Association, which represents 200 gas utilities. This meeting really underscored that Japan needs reliable energy, and they want Alberta as a partner.

I also sat down with the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security, with whom Alberta recently signed an MOU to strengthen collaboration on the responsible development of our oil, natural gas, hydrogen, and ammonia resources, as well as to advance carbon capture, utilization, and storage technologies.

At Costco Japan, we saw Alberta pork from Red Deer and beef from Brooks on the shelves—a powerful reminder that our farmers and producers are among the best in the world, and global markets are eager for what Alberta offers.

These encounters reinforced my conviction that our province has a unique opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for energy and food in Asia. The potential for economic growth and job creation is vast, but we need our federal government to take bold action to unlock these opportunities. This means investing in critical infrastructure, streamlining regulatory processes, and providing support for our energy and agricultural sectors to access these lucrative markets.

In South Korea, I witnessed firsthand the rapid expansion of the energy sector, driven by the country's commitment to reducing its reliance on coal and increasing its use of clean energy. Alberta's expertise in oil and gas production, combined with our innovative approaches to carbon capture and storage, makes us an ideal partner for South Korea as it transitions to a low-carbon economy.

Furthermore, our discussions with Korean food processors and retailers highlighted the immense demand for high-quality agricultural products, such as canola, wheat, and pulses. Alberta farmers are well-positioned to meet this demand, but we need the federal government to work with us to address the current trade barriers and logistical challenges that hinder our ability to get these products to market.

The message from my trip is clear: Alberta has what Asia wants, and it's time for our federal government to get out of the way and let us get to work. By doing so, we can create a brighter economic future for our province, our country, and the entire Asia-Pacific region.