The Government of Saskatchewan announced their plan Friday to open up three new international offices.

These offices are set to be in Tokyo, Japan, Singapore, and New Delhi, India, and they are expected to open in the first quarter of 2021.

Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison, says that, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the government is hoping to open these offices as soon as possible.

“I think that having sustained international engagement going forward, as part of our recovery, is going to be more important even then it was before,” said Harrison.

He says that these offices will open new opportunities for the province, adding that other provinces, like Alberta, have had offices open for decades.

”It will mean that we do have a sustained presence on the ground in those countries, from staff officials who are working for the Government of Saskatchewan full time, promoting our trade interests and economic interests, on the ground in those countries,” said Harrison.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili agrees with the idea of opening the international offices, but he would like to see more of a plan from the government.

“This is a one-off small piece,” said Meili. “We hope that it is helpful, but I’m not convinced that this is any indication that this government has a plan to really grow our economy.”

The Government will be seeking the help of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper with the trade missions abroad.

Saskatchewan exports approximately 68 percent of the products it produces. Total international merchandise exports in 2019 were valued at approximately $30 billion. The province’s top exports include agricultural products, potash, oil, and uranium.