Deputy Minister Jodi Banks visited Brazil in May to explore opportunities and advance agreements; experience-sharing in technology, mining, agriculture, and educational exchange are expected to be the main focus

By Pedro Augusto

With support from the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC), the State of Goiás and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan — located between Alberta and Manitoba — are working toward establishing a mutual trade cooperation partnership. The goal is to foster exchanges in technology and expertise, primarily in the agriculture and mining sectors. There is also potential for academic and talent development exchange programs. While still in its early stages, the initiative has already included visits from Canadian government representatives to Brazil and the exchange of documents expressing intent.

Saskatchewan officials now plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Goiás — a type of preliminary trade agreement. The Canadian province is also looking to build additional partnerships across Brazil.

The relationship between the two regions deepened following a breakfast meeting hosted at the CCBC headquarters, attended by Jodi Banks, Deputy Minister of Trade and Export Development of Saskatchewan, in May. During the event, both sides reaffirmed their shared interest in expanding commercial partnerships between Brazil and Canada.

Representatives from Saskatchewan’s innovation ecosystem were also present, including Horacio Cuevas, Managing Director of the province’s International Office, who showcased initiatives related to artificial intelligence and precision agriculture.

Saskatchewan’s Strategic Position

With strong activity in agriculture and the export of sustainable minerals like potash, Saskatchewan is considered one of Canada’s most strategic provinces. “Our potash is a key ingredient for sustainable crops, emitting less than half the carbon compared to other suppliers (during extraction and product manufacturing),” Banks stated. The province is a global leader in potash production.

Saskatchewan also produces 54% of Canada’s wheat harvest and accounts for 100% of the country’s uranium output.

Partnership with Goiás

During her official visit to Brazil, Banks also participated in the Goiás-Canada Opportunities Seminar, organized by FIEG (Federation of Industries of the State of Goiás), which brought together business leaders, investors, and government officials at the Industry House in Goiânia. The event served to deepen the analysis of cooperation potential between Goiás and the Canadian province.

“We are eager to develop mutually beneficial projects, especially those focused on artificial intelligence,” said the Canadian Deputy Minister.

Currently, exports from Goiás to Canada have been consistently growing, particularly in the sectors of food, minerals, and biotechnology. Saskatchewan, in turn, seeks to expand its global footprint and views Brazil — especially Central-West states — as a strategic partner.

With over 50 years of experience, the Chamber of Commerce Brazil-Canada (CCBC) has played a vital role in fostering relations between Brazilian and Canadian companies. The organization has already formalized MOUs with institutions in Alberta and Saskatchewan, expanding opportunities for business, investment, and innovation.

Saskatchewan’s Potential

Holding 40% of Canada’s agricultural land, Saskatchewan is a major supplier of sustainable food to both North America and other global markets. In addition to potash, the province positions itself as a leader in sustainable food production, with a strong emphasis on innovations that reduce environmental impact.

Saskatchewan also invests heavily in agricultural research to develop new technologies that address challenges like climate change and water scarcity.

In the mining sector, public policies — including tax incentives — attract companies committed to responsible resource exploration.

Local educational institutions, such as the University of Saskatchewan, are at the forefront of research in biotechnology and vaccine development. “We also aim to promote academic and research exchanges to further enhance professional development in both countries,” emphasized the Canadian Deputy Minister.