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By rdnewsNOW Staff

FEB. 22-27

Minister Jones promoting Alberta partnership in trip to United Arab Emirates

Feb 21, 2025 | 11:35 AM

Matt Jones, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade, is travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in an effort to promote Alberta as a reliable trading partner and investment destination.

Jones will meet with potential investors and government officials from Feb. 22-27, to discuss areas of opportunity and shared interests in energy, agriculture, artificial intelligence and technology.

This trip is intended to build on the minister’s fall 2024 UAE trip, reinforcing the partnership.

“Alberta’s government is committed to working with its national and international partners to diversify its trade relationships around the world,” says Jones. “The UAE is a key market for Alberta-based companies looking to expand and diversify their exports. This trade mission will help enhance Alberta’s trade relationship with the Middle East, strengthening this economic partnership for many years to come.”

While in the UAE, Jones will attend Investopia, an annual conference connecting investors, business leaders and governments to address economic changes, challenges and innovations.

He will be joined by one staff member and mission expenses will be posted online.

Itinerary

• Feb. 22-23: Travel to Dubai, UAE
• Feb. 23-24: Meetings and briefings with government and industry leaders.
• Feb. 25: Travel to Abu Dhabi, UAE; attend meetings and briefings with government and industry leaders.
• Feb. 26: Attend Investopia; attend meetings and briefings with government and industry leaders.
• Feb. 27: Return to Alberta.

This itinerary is subject to change.

The Government of Alberta reports that the UAE is the province’s 14th-largest trading partner. In 2023, the government says Alberta’s exports to the UAE reached almost $242 million, with top exports including food and agriculture, machinery and metal, and stone or glass. Also in 2023, Alberta imported about $67.8 million worth of goods from the UAE, including iron or steel, jewelry, plastic and iron pipes, chemicals and cargo containers.