HALIFAX -- Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is heading to Asia to try to drum up business between countries in the region.

McNeil says he wants to help businesses that are currently operating in China and Japan as well as those that want to get set up.

The delegation leaves Saturday and will visit eight Chinese cities, including Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Qingdao in Shandong Province.

The provincial government says China was Nova Scotia's largest trading partner in Asia last year, with $275 million worth of exports.

That includes more than $130 million worth of lobster, crab and shrimp, as well as $90 million in wood pulp.