Chris Dekker thinks the future of Saskatchewan鈥檚 economy lies in exports, particularly in regards to oil, canola seed, and potash. He sees Yorkton as a potentially big winner in those areas.
鈥淲e鈥檙e the bread basket of the world when it comes to agriculture,鈥� he said.
Dekker, the CEO and president of Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership, spoke at a Yorkton Chamber of Commerce (YCC) luncheon on May 31 in St. Gerard鈥檚 Church. He discussed the importance of trade, agreements with the United States, and how Saskatchewan can capitalize on growing globabl populations.
鈥淲e鈥檙e on an upswing when it comes to exports,鈥� he said.
STEP focuses on connecting Saskatchewan business owners with the global market. They emphasize the vitality of free trade and exports. Dekker believes these two ideas are crucial for the province鈥檚 continued economic success.
鈥淭he Saskatchewan economic growth story is an export story,鈥� he said. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e a business person, think about growing and moving outside of the border of [the province.]
聽鈥淎s a business community, we have to support that effort and become part of it.鈥�
For exports, Dekker focuses on the three 鈥淔鈥檚鈥�: Food, fuel, and fertilizer. He said Yorkton, with its canola crush plant, is positioned for strong trade.
鈥淚f there was any one area that is indicative of the Saskatchewan export success story, it鈥檚 Yorkton and Area,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he canola crush industry is significant.鈥�
On the same day Dekker delivered his speech, American president Donald Trump imposed steel and aluminum tariffs on Canada. Dekker thinks there should be no financial barriers to trade between Canada and our southern neighbours.
鈥淭he United States are tough negotiators,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e looking to maintain free access for our goods and services that we鈥檙e shipping into the United States.
鈥淲e think we can get there. Cooler heads will prevail.鈥�
Dekker said businesses should look beyond the United States for trade. He highlighted China鈥檚 rapid expansion as an economic leader.
鈥淸China鈥檚] buying power is growing,鈥� he said.
Dekker closed his speech by emphasizing Saskatchewan鈥檚 role as a food provider in the global community.
鈥淸Saskatchewan] is feeding the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e the best in the world and [we鈥檙e what鈥檚] best for the world.鈥澛�
