In response to export constraints caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) announced on June 18, an offer to expand assistance to Saskatchewan’s exporters through enhancements to the Market Access Program and the Incoming Buyers Program.
STEP has also introduced a new, temporary initiative – the Market Reengagement Program, designed to assist Saskatchewan exporters to re-establish presence in existing markets.
To help relieve financial pressures on STEP members during difficult economic times and to maintain their access to the full suite of export programs and services, STEP instituted a one-time discount for any new and renewing memberships.
For one year starting August 1, STEP members will benefit from a 50 per cent annual membership reduction.
STEP programming is made possible through annual funding from the provincial government. Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison noted Saskatchewan is an export dependent province and the STEP initiatives, along with the support provided by the provincial government, will assist in the economic recovery resulting from COVID-19.
“It is critical that Saskatchewan exporters be well-positioned to re-engage and re-establish their customer base as COVID19 restrictions are removed,” Harrison said. “These new and enhanced export programs will not only provide immediate incentive, but will help achieve the longer-term goal of increasing Saskatchewan exports as outlined in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan.”
These programs anticipate the lifting of travel and gathering restrictions in the future.
STEP reacted to the initial restrictions imposed to flatten the spread of the coronavirus. Within days of the international lockdown, STEP reallocated resources and pivoted trade mission efforts to web-based opportunities.
To date, seven virtual trade missions were organized and three web-based export information seminars were delivered.
While virtual trade mission development will continue after COVID-19, STEP developed a re-engagement strategy outlining persistent issues following the removal of travel restrictions. To reduce these risks and to ensure the health and safety of participants, STEP will introduce several new initiatives including generating COVID-19 status reports in target markets before travel and implementing safer travel and trade show protocols.
STEP CEO Chris Dekker noted in a competitive world, export services will continue to be as vital during COVID-19 restrictions as they will be after.
“Saskatchewan exporters need to get ahead of the curve to ensure our place on the international stage – safely,” Dekker said.
