Alberta is taking a strategic step to strengthen its global economic footprint with the launch of a new advisory committee focused on deepening ties with one of its most important international partners—China. As trade between the two regions continues to grow, the province is looking to unlock new opportunities that could benefit key industries and support long-term economic growth.
The Alberta-China Advisory Committee has been established to provide targeted insight on trade and investment opportunities, helping guide government efforts to build stronger partnerships that deliver measurable results for Albertans. China remains Alberta’s second-largest trade partner after the United States, with exports reaching nearly $9.6 billion in 2025—accounting for a significant portion of the province’s non-U.S. merchandise exports.
Much of that growth has been driven by Alberta’s energy sector, particularly following the completion of the Trans Mountain Expansion pipeline. Crude oil exports to China rose to approximately 220,700 barrels per day in 2025, reflecting increasing demand and expanded market access. At the same time, China continues to represent a major opportunity for Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food industries, with strong demand for high-quality products produced by farmers and ranchers across the province.
“This committee will help us take a strategic approach to this important international relationship, strengthen market access and secure more investment that creates jobs and grows Alberta’s economy,” said Premier of Alberta Danielle Smith.
The committee held its inaugural meeting on April 8, ahead of a trade mission to China led by Minister of Agriculture RJ Sigurdson, who also serves as chair.
“China represents a key opportunity to expand markets for our world-class agriculture products,” Sigurdson said. “This committee will help ensure Alberta remains competitive, connected, and positioned for long-term growth in a changing global environment.”
Members of the advisory committee were selected for their expertise across business, academia, public policy, and community leadership. While the committee will play an important role in shaping strategy, it will function strictly in an advisory capacity and will not have formal decision-making authority. It is expected to meet up to four times per year.
The initiative also aligns with broader federal efforts to expand Canada’s presence in the region, including recent agreements aimed at strengthening economic ties with China. Alberta’s long-standing relationship with China is further reflected in the province’s diverse population, with approximately 177,000 Chinese Canadians calling Alberta home, according to the 2021 Census.
As Alberta continues to navigate an increasingly competitive global economy, initiatives like the Alberta-China Advisory Committee highlight the province’s focus on building strong international partnerships. With key industries like energy and agriculture at the forefront, the success of these efforts could play an important role in shaping future opportunities for businesses, workers, and communities across the province.
For more information about the Alberta-China Advisory Committee, visit the Government of Alberta website at www.alberta.ca/alberta-china-advisory-committee.
Information for this article was sourced from the Government of Alberta website.
