The premiers of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan are hosts of a New West Partnership (NWP) reception today, Tuesday, Sept. 11, in Tianjin, China during the World Economic Forum's Annual Meeting of the New Champions.

The World Economic Forum attracts approximately 1,500 of the world's top business executives and government leaders.

Forum attendees have been invited to join the premiers at 7:30 p.m. at the St. Regis Hotel in Tianjin as they promote the New West Partnership and co-operate to advance Western Canada's trade and investment advantages and interests.

"The New West Partnership proves that the best way to provide jobs for families and long-term prosperity is to work together to create an investment-friendly business market that harmonizes regulation and reduces red tape," said British Columbia Premier Christy Clark. "Our three provinces are economic leaders in Canada with the regional advantages to open up key markets across the Asia Pacific and around the world."

"We achieve so much more when we work together," said Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall. "Whether it is eliminating barriers to trade and growth among our provinces, or unlocking our potential by promoting our region's tremendous trade and investment opportunities internationally."

"Accessing new markets is a national imperative," said Alberta Premier Alison Redford. "The New West partners are leading this effort by collaborating to eliminate barriers to trade, and creating a more open, competitive business environment. We are stronger working together. That's when our country benefits-that's when Canada leads."

The themes which will be focused on by premiers Clark, Redford and Wall will be energy, agrifood and education. All three jurisdictions will provide food and beverages from their home provinces at the reception, and videos promoting each province will be featured.

On Thursday, premiers Wall and Redford will join five of their Canadian counterparts on a Council of the Federation mission Premiers' Panel in Beijing. The premiers will also pursue various business meetings and speaking opportunities on behalf of their respective provinces while in China.

Signed in April 2010, the New West Partnership has led to the implementation of a host of growth-friendly initiatives, including commitments to pursue international co-operation, innovation and joint government purchasing.

One of the first major undertakings of the New West Partnership was a joint mission to China and Japan in May of 2010. The three provinces opened a joint trade office in Shanghai, to pursue trade and commerce opportunities, promoting Canada's western region and drawing attention to the New West's global leadership in clean technology, natural resources, and agrifood and agriculture.

The New West Partners have a market of almost nine million people and a Gross Domestic Product of more than $550 billion.

For additional information contact:

British Columbia:
Media Relations
Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training
250 356-8177

Alberta:
Kim Misik
Office of the Premier
780 422-4905
587 985-9856 (cell)
Kim.misik@gov.ab.ca

Saskatchewan:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
306 787-4025
306 526-8927 (cell)
Kathy.young@gov.sk.ca