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Wall signs action plan with U.K. for mutual economic benefits

May 25, 2013 | 8:35 AM

Premier Brad Wall and Member of Parliament from the United Kingdom, Alistair Burt, signed an action plan to exchange economic, trade and investment expertise, with a special interest in energy innovation.

“This is the start I think of significant progress and action together on economic opportunities and innovation,” Wall said.

The action plan will aid in Wall’s plan to expand Saskatchewan’s exports.

“It’s much more than just words. It’s about direct action and what contribution we can make to each other,” said Burt, with the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

The two politicians swapped sports memorabilia to sweeten the deal on Friday. Wall received a Manchester United jersey, while Burt accepted a Saskatchewan Roughriders jersey.

Along with signing the action plan, British government announced the appointment of the first-ever British honourary consul to Saskatchewan. Alex L. Fallon is the new managing director of Rainmaker Saskatchewan, a global business development firm.

The U.K. is Canada’s seventh largest trading partner, with 90 per cent of that trade being uranium.

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