Premier Smith’s Asia Visit Highlights Alberta’s Global Ambitions

Premier Danielle Smith is embarking on a week-long trade mission to Japan and South Korea, aiming to strengthen Alberta’s economic ties with key Asian markets. The visit focuses on expanding opportunities in energy, agriculture, and transportation sectors.​
In Japan, Premier Smith is meeting with government officials, importers, and leaders in the energy and agricultural sectors to position Alberta as a reliable partner in meeting Japan’s growing demand for energy and food security. Japan was Alberta’s third-largest export market in 2024, with exports totaling nearly $2.7 billion, including approximately $1 billion in energy products .​
Following her engagements in Japan, Smith will travel to Gangwon State, South Korea, to reinforce Alberta’s longstanding sister-province relationship. Bilateral trade between Alberta and South Korea totaled about $1.5 billion in 2024, with significant investments from Korean companies in Alberta’s energy sector .​
During her travels, Smith experienced Japan’s Hayabusa high-speed train, which reaches speeds of 320 km/h. She noted that a similar system in Alberta could enable travel between Edmonton and Calgary in under an hour. This aligns with Alberta’s ongoing development of a Passenger Rail Master Plan, expected to be completed by summer 2025. The plan envisions a comprehensive rail network connecting major cities, airports, and tourist destinations, aiming to enhance accessibility and reduce road congestion .​
Premier Smith’s mission underscores Alberta’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and exploring innovative solutions to meet the province’s evolving economic and transportation needs.