Edmonton trade mission heads to Japan, China next week

A container is loaded onto a cargo ship at the Tianjin port in China on Aug. 5, 2010. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack is headed back to China as part of a trade mission with Edmonton Global.

He and city manager Eddie Robar are going to Tokyo and Kumamoto in Japan and Tianjin and Wuhan in China with the economic development agency to promote the capital region for industrial investment.

“Strengthening Edmonton’s economy is one of Council’s top priorities over the next four years. To do this, we need to meet investors where they are,” Knack said in a statement. “This mission is about securing investments that will drive job creation and reinforce Edmonton’s industrial capacities as a global leader in advanced manufacturing, technology, and sustainable energy.”

In Japan, the delegation will explore collaboration with companies in supply chains, aviation, advanced manufacturing and clean technology.

Tianjin and Wuhan are both strategic partners as northern China’s primary port, industrial base and innovation platform in the Jing‑Jin‑Ji corridor and the gateway to China’s inland markets, respectively.

“These discussions are about more than a single project—they’re about long‑term relationships. The opportunities we’re discussing could represent up to $2 billion in capital investment, create 300 to 400 permanent jobs, and support more than 1,000 additional jobs across construction and related sectors, delivering meaningful and lasting economic impact for our region,” Edmonton Global CEO Daryn Edgar said.

The delegation leaves April 4 and returns April 15.

Edmonton Global is covering all flight, accommodations, meals and local transportation costs for Knack and one staff member.

Knack was in China in January to visit Edmonton’s sister city Harbin.