Local MLA Roger Reid will be among legislators, business leaders and policy experts from the United States and western Canada this week.

It's the 31st Pacific NorthWest Economic Region's annual summit.

This year’s summit focuses on everything from border issues, water policy, invasive species and pandemic recovery to energy security, trade, agriculture, transportation and infrastructure.

"It is incredibly important that we continue to work together and use one strong regional voice so we can achieve our objectives and make life better for the people we serve. I look forward to productive discussions and to highlighting for our partners everything that Alberta has to offer," said Reid, chair of the PNWER Delegate Council.

Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation, Doug Schweitzer calls it an excellent opportunity to reinforce relationships and look for effective solutions to the challenges the regions face.

According to the Alberta government, about 450 delegates will take part in the summit virtually and in person. During the event, participating Alberta ministers and MLAs will showcase the province as a prime location to live, work, visit, do business and invest. 

PNWER is a regional multilateral forum that brings together legislative, government and private sector leaders from Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska.

In 2021, bilateral trade between Alberta and the PNWER region was approximately US$14.7 billion (C $18.9 billion).

In 2021, Alberta exports to the region totalled $13.2 billion US (C $16.9 billion) included agriculture and agri-food, chemicals and plastics, manufacturing, forestry products, energy, metals and minerals.