RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, took steps to strengthen the province’s relationship with China by making a trade mission to the global superpower. Sigurdson’s visit marks the first formal trip to China by an Alberta elected official since 2018.
Sigurdson’s trade mission focussed on maintaining existing relationships and pursuing new investment opportunities in the agri-food sector.
Read Also
Alberta Whisky Act would tie spirit’s identity to local grain and farm roots
Proposed legislation would give Alberta whisky a defined identity tied to provincial grain and water, with a whisky trail aimed at boosting tourism.
WHY IT MATTERS: China is Alberta’s second-largest agri-food export market after the United States, and Alberta is the second largest provincial agri-food exporter to China after Saskatchewan.
In 2025, Alberta’s exports to China were valued at almost $9.6 billion, with agri-food exports totalling $1.4 billion.
Last year, Alberta’s top agri-food exports to China include $431 million of canola seed, $347 million of wheat, $209 million of barley and $123 million of canola oil.
China is the world’s largest oilseed importer, and imports more than half of Canada’s exported canola seed.
The mission positioned Alberta as a reliable supporter of high-quality agricultural and agri-food products and created opportunities for producers and processors across the province.
In a press release, Sigurdson said strengthening trade ties is critical as Alberta looks to expand its reputation in international markets.
The government is working to strengthen Alberta’s reputation as a trusted trading partner and consistent supplier of high-quality ag products for consumers around the world, he said.
Minister’s agenda
In China, the minister attended the China International Consumer Products Expo, a major trade show focussed on high-end consumer goods. The show is seen as a gateway for companies entering the Chinese market.
He also represented Alberta at the Country of Honour reception, where Canada was featured as the country of honour. Sigurdson’s mission included promotional events and a cooking demonstration highlighting Alberta’s beef, liquor and beer industries.
Sigurdson travelled to Haikou, China, from April 10-11, and attended the China International Consumer Products Expo from April 12-13. On April 14, Sigurdson was in Beijing for an investment roundtable meeting. He met with Chinese agricultural importers and industry associations and attended a promotion beef event on April 15, before heading back to Alberta on April 16.
Alberta-China Advisory Committee
Alberta’s provincial government recently created the Alberta-China Advisory Committee, an advisory body that offers Alberta’s government insights and perspective to help inform Alberta’s engagement in China.
Alberta can attract investment in China to grow industries in the province as well as improve market access for Alberta’s agricultural products. Alberta can also be established as a reliable energy supplier to meet China’s growing demands.
The newly launched Alberta-China Advisory Committee supports the Alberta government’s goal to expand its trade and investment ties with jurisdictions around the world. It is in alignment with the federal government’s efforts to advance shared objectives under the Canada-China partnership.
The new advisory committee, which will meet four times a year, will identify emerging opportunities in agriculture and energy sectors, improve and grow Alberta-China bilateral trade, investment attraction and areas of collaboration.
The group will provide advice on potential trade and investment attraction opportunities and identify key Chinese stakeholders in priority sectors. The committee will be able to offer insight into regional and cultural nuances and challenges.
The committee does not operate its own budget, and members are not remunerated or compensated, except for travel expenses. The committee’s secretarial support will be provided by the Ministry of Intergovernmental and International Relations.
The Alberta-China Advisory Committee may consist of 12 members, including one committee chair, and members selected based on their perspectives and knowledge drawn from expertise in business, academia, public policy and community leadership in Alberta, as well as knowledge about China.
