REGINA, Sask. — A government and business delegation from Saskatchewan, including Highways and Infrastructure Minister, Wayne Elhard, is attending the 2008 North America’s Super Corridor Coalition (NASCO) conference in Mexico this week.

“Because Saskatchewan’s exports to the US and Mexico exceed $12.5 billion, our exporters’ ability to access these markets is critical to our continued growth and prosperity,” Elhard said. “This conference provides an excellent opportunity to improve our relationship with our American and Mexican trading partners and to look for opportunities to enhance Saskatchewan’s access to a key strategic trading corridor.”

NASCO is an organization comprised of state, provincial and municipal governments from Canada, the US and Mexico, and private sector representatives. The organization is dedicated to fostering trade and economic development along key trade routes through the North American-mid continent.

Elhard is particularly interested in seeing first hand the GTO Inland Port, a state-of-the art multi-modal facility, and engaging in discussions with Mexican officials responsible for the port’s development. The GTO Inland Port is located in Guanajuato City, which is hosting the NASCO conference.

“We are exploring opportunities to incorporate aspects of the GTO Inland Port into current provincial railroad infrastructure, the Regina Region Inter-Modal Project and other potential inland port facilities,” Elhard said.

Elhard will be accompanied by the mayors of Saskatoon and Regina, and the Regina Regional Economic Development Authority and the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority.

“As the Regina region embarks on developing a multi-modal facility, I am eager to speak to other jurisdictions with experience in this area,” Regina Mayor Pat Fiacco said. “Our multi-modal facility will likely be the most significant development for the Regina region for decades. Learning from the successes and challenges of others will ensure we get it right.”

“Already a hub for transportation and logistics in the Province, Saskatoon is positioned to continue our growth in exports, distribution and multi-modal facilities,” City of Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison added. “We have a history of bridging communities and creating partnerships, and look forward to sharing opportunities with fellow NASCO participants.”

The NASCO conference runs June 4-6.