Exports

Our province continues to rely on exports to the rest of Canada and around the world. Saskatchewan is one of the more trade-dependent provinces in the country.

Exports to other countries combined with shipments to the rest of Canada account for over 60% of Saskatchewan’s GDP.

Saskatchewan’s international exports more than doubled from 1991 to 2000.

Falling commodity prices and reduced demand in Asian markets lowered the amount of exports in 1998 and 1999. But strong growth took place in 2000 due to rising energy prices and an increase in the export of manufactured goods.

Research and Development

Saskatchewan has been taking strides to benefit from the emerging knowledge-based economy. By investing in research and development (R & D) and adopting new technologies, Saskatchewan can expand its economic base.

The province is home to a growing number of new economy companies ranging from information technology to aerospace. There are also major initiatives such as the Canadian Light Source Synchrotron Project, Innovation Place Research Park at the University of Saskatchewan, and the development of a new Research Park at the University of Regina.

Small Business Development

Small business remains one of the driving forces of the provincial economy.

In 1999, there were 36,000 small businesses with fewer than 20 employees in Saskatchewan. These made up 90% of the businesses in the province.

Businesses with fewer than five employees made up 61% of all businesses.

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