Trade Team PEI is embarking on its third trade mission to Chile. From January 19-27, 2002, seven Prince Edward Island companies will be in the region to explore new trade opportunities.
The participating companies are Atlantic Mussel Growers Corp, Atlantic Tourism Hospitality Institute, FB Welding, Charlottetown Metal Products, Polar Foods, Culinary Institute of Canada and the Atlantic Veterinary College.
"Several of these companies have already realized success in the Chilean market due to previous trade events. This mission will help to increase sales and strengthen business relationships," said the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Solicitor General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
"Charlottetown Metal Products recently completed a clam processing system valued at over $200,000 for a major plant in Chile," said CMP Vice-President Wendell MacDonald. "This was the fourth shellfish system our company produced for the Chilean market in 2001. Participating in this upcoming trade mission will give me the opportunity to follow-up with numerous contacts and pending proposals for 2002."
MacDonald anticipates that exports to Chile and other South American countries will represent a large portion of CMP's future sales. Already, export sales now represent 40 per cent of company sales, resulting in the hiring of 10 new staff.
"Success stories like that of Charlottetown Metal Products are exactly why the Province focuses on trade development," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "By aggressively pursuing niche markets around the world, this company has created new sales and increased employment, both of which benefit the entire province."
The trade mission is an initiative of Trade Team Prince Edward Island, a partnership of federal and provincial government departments and agencies that offer various forms of export assistance to active and potential exporters. ACOA and Prince Edward Island Business Development Inc. are among its partners.