STEP Employee on Assignment to Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan (April 11, 2005)

A Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) trade specialist, Ms. Raegan Sobkow, has been appointed Consul and Trade Commissioner in the Canadian Embassy in Almaty, Kazakhstan for a five month period beginning in April 2005. International Trade Canada (ITCAN) and Saskatchewan Trade & Export Partnership (STEP) have entered into an Interchange Agreement to this effect.


"I am delighted that Raegan has been selected for this important assignment," said Mr. John Treleaven, President & CEO of STEP. "STEP and many Saskatchewan exporters work closely with the Canadian Embassy in Kazakhstan, Raegan's assignment there, will further strengthen this relationship."


“Kazakhstan provides tremendous opportunities for Canada and Saskatchewan,” said Mr. Tim Marshall, Director, Former Soviet Union for STEP. “Kazakhstan’s private sector regardless of what business they are in, recognize Canada’s technology and product quality. This has been demonstrated by a dramatic upturn in trade with Canada over the last 5 years. The leading business opportunities for Canada are in the agricultural, oil and gas and mining sectors.” According to Statistics Canada, Canadian exports to Kazakhstan in 2004 totaled nearly $74 million a drastic increase over the $24 million in 2000.


STEP has been actively pursuing opportunities for Saskatchewan exporters in this region since 1996. Saskatchewan has had a presence in the region since 1989 when leaders from Saskatchewan and Kazakhstan, signed a cooperation agreement that focused on the development of agriculture.


“I look forward to working with Canadian companies as they pursue their business and investment objectives in Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan,” said Ms. Sobkow.


STEP is a non-profit, membership driven, government/industry partnership, designed to promote the growth of Saskatchewan's export industry. STEP assists provincial businesses realize global marketing opportunities through specially tailored services and programs. STEP pursues growth in existing foreign markets and opens doors to new ones. Members include both businesses that are experienced and those that are new to international trade. The team of professionals has the experience, knowledge and international contacts to help companies meet their international marketing objectives.


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For more information, contact:
John Treleaven, STEP
Tel: (306) 787-7919