Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) is marking a 20th anniversary this year. The agency has been conducting export and market development for the province for two decades now and the province has seen remarkable growth in international trade during that period.
Provincial exports jumped to $32.8 billion in 2015, a 3.5 fold increase since 1996. Today, Saskatchewan sells goods and services to customers in more than 150 countries and ranks as the number one per capita exporter among the provinces.
Chris Dekker, president and CEO of STEP, said the strong growth in exports is a testament to the drive, ingenuity and courage of STEP’s over 400 member companies.
“STEP members have proven ability to produce goods and services the world wants to buy,” Dekker said. “Over the years, we’ve seen our members not only increase their business in established markets, but also make major inroads in new markets. We are proud to support their efforts, which have created thousands of jobs and generated hundreds of millions of dollars for the provincial economy.”
STEP has had the pleasure of supporting 20 years of success by its members by acting as an export catalyst. This has included helping Saskatchewan exporters forge relationships in new markets, as well as introducing incoming buyers to Saskatchewan. STEP also provides market research and customized advice and guidance to its members based on first hand knowledge of the every changing export scene. A recent survey of STEP members found that 80 per cent receive very high value for their membership, and 100 per cent would recommend a membership to others.
The anniversary year will culminate in the annual general meeting and trade conference on Oct. 18 and 19 in Regina which will include an opening reception highlighting the efforts of current and former staff, board of directors, and the founding members of STEP.
