Minister Deron Bilous attended Alberta-China Buyers and Investment Attraction Seminar in Shanghai (Photo by the Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai)

Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Alberta, Canada Deron Bilous led the largest-ever business delegation to China’s Shanghai, Guangzhou and Yantai recently, during which a series of business agreements, memorandum of understanding and announcements were signed between the two parts.

Shanghai Investment Bureau and Calgary Economic Development, NorQuest College and Shanghai Redleaf Women’s and Children’s Hospital inked MOUs respectively during the minister’s stay in Shanghai.

Taste Alberta and Canada Beef Food Festival also took placed here to promote the province’s fine food.

More than 80 Alberta companies and economic development associations participated in the Alberta-China trade and investment attraction mission which connects them with potential Chinese buyers and investors.

The government-led business mission focused on promoting Alberta’s diverse industries, including clean technology, oil and gas, forestry, agri-food, tourism and emerging technologies. It also focused on ensuring that Alberta businesses have access to more diversified markets.

China is Alberta’s second-largest trading partner. In 2015, the province’s trade with China increased by 16 percent.