Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil is heading to Asia to try to drum up business with countries in the region.

McNeil says he wants to help Nova Scotia businesses that are currently operating in China and Japan, as well as those that want to get set up.

"The One Nova Scotia report stressed the importance of rebuilding our trading economy by going global," said the premier. "Missions like this, and the one I undertook to Asia in 2014, are critical to build the relationships necessary to make that happen."

The delegation leaves Saturday. It'll start in Tokyo, Japan, and will then visit eight Chinese cities, including Zhuhai, Hong Kong and Qingdao in Shandong Province.

The provincial government says China was Nova Scotia's largest trading partner in Asia last year, with $275 million worth of exports.

That includes more than $130 million worth of lobster, crab and shrimp, as well as $90 million in wood pulp.