NP-UN, Western Bureau.
The two Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) renewed during Alberta’s recent Trade Mission to Ukraine have opened new doors, says the minister who led the delegation.
“The MOUs provided a great framework. Now we want to start building on new levels (of cooperation) Economic Development and International Trade Minister Deron Bilous told New Pathway – Ukrainian News following a meeting with Alberta Premier Rachel Notley, a delegation from Ukraine’s Embassy in Canada led by Ambassador Andriy Shevchenko and a delegation from the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council led by President Olesia Luciw-Andryjowycz, December 18.
He added that there is quite a bit of interest in enhancing trade on both sides, key sectors being oil and gas, agriculture, electricity and technology.
During the October 25-27 Ukraine leg of his mission, which also included stops in the United Kingdom and Germany, Bilous met with government officials to renew the sister province MOUs with Ivano-Frankivsk and Lviv Oblasts. The MOUs recognize a mutual desire to promote relationships based on the bonds of kinship and amity between the people of Alberta and Ukraine. Since the Minister’s return, several offers have already been made to the Government of Alberta for increased collaboration in agriculture and forestry.
Among these are: Acropolis, a Ukrainian manufacturer for hunting equipment, military equipment and the power company Ukrenergo, which has written to Bilous looking for Canadian companies interested in the creation of a joint venture.
The company-focused trade mission to Ukraine intersected with the 20th International Trade Fair of Oil and Gas Industry, in which 10 Alberta companies participated. This provided an opportunity to help showcase Alberta’s expertise in energy and environmental services, and the potential to expand Alberta exports of equipment (drilling) and services and technologies, especially horizontal onshore and offshore drilling, technologies for reviving exhausted fields, on-site laboratory services, and investment projects. As part of the Alberta company trade mission, the Minister promoted clean technology as a growing sector in Alberta’s economy, generating world-class capabilities and long-term jobs, as well as promoting responsible and sustainable industrial development and environmental protection.
The 10 Alberta Companies which participated include: JORI International Ltd; Domino Highvoltage Supply Inc; Transmission Innovations Inc; Valard Construction LP; McMath Controls and Automation Inc; OilPro Oilfield Production Equipment Ltd; Shelton Canada Corp.; One Eye Industries; Black Powder Solutions and Fortress Engineering.
In discussions with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Minister signed an MOU that will support projects to help Ukraine develop and strengthen its banking and energy sectors, and energy security. This MOU will enhance the ability of the Alberta International Development Office to assist Alberta companies and institutions bidding on projects that require Alberta home-grown expertise and know¬-how.
The Ministry of Energy and the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) have already established contacts in Ukraine, as the country is looking to Alberta for direction on renewable energy and energy security; AER plans to visit Ukraine in the near future to continue discussions.
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