Alberta signs energy pact with China

Alberta and China have signed what they term alandmark deal to increase trade ties and collaboration.

Alberta Energy Minister Ken Hughes says the framework onsustainable energy development gives Alberta direct access todecision-makers and strategists at the highest levels in China.

Hughes, who spoke to reporters from Beijing, said the deal'simportance was highlighted by the presence ofChinese President Xi Jinpingand Canadian Gov. Gen. David Johnston.

He says the deal is a critical step toward increasing trade with China.

"It isthe single mostimportant market Alberta will have for the next 50 years."

The minister says what he is hearing from leaders in China makes it even more imperative to get a direct line for Alberta crude oil to the Pacific coast.

Canadian energy producers on the trade mission are also hailing the agreement.

Gordon Holden,chief operating officer of Calgary-based Surmont Energy, says new markets will increase the price for Alberta oil.

"It doesn't matter where our crude goes, but if Canada and Alberta has more access to more markets especially tide water markets like Asia that will help improve our price locally, no matter where we sell our crude so it's very important," he said.

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Holden says his company is also looking to China for capital investmentto help develop its oilsands lease.

"We are looking elsewhere too, but our perception is there are pools of capital available in China we might access to invest in our project."

The non-binding intergovernmental agreement is said to be thefirst of its kind between China and a Canadian province.

During his current trip to Asia, Hughes is meeting with officials in Korea, China and Japan towork on expanding markets for Alberta resources.