Early results from a survey conducted following the regional Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to Atlanta demonstrate the advantages of the team approach. Conducted with participating businesses, the survey results point to expected combined sales of $25 million dollars over the next two years as a result of contacts made during the trade mission. It is estimated that these new sales will create up to 74 jobs in communities throughout Atlantic Canada.
The trade mission to the Atlanta area took place from November 13 – 15, 2001 and featured 30 companies for across Atlantic Canada, three of which were from Prince Edward Island. In total, 67 Atlantic Canadian companies have participated in two missions to the southeast United States since last May.
The Team Canada Atlantic approach allows for local businesses to benefit from the profile and access gained in a trade mission setting that include government, trade organizations and individual business.
"This is great news for the people of Atlantic Canada," said the Honorable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Through working together, government and businesses in our region have gained increased access to an important market. As we see here, the results are increased revenues, job creation and excellent prospects for the future. I would encourage all businesses throughout the region to participate in future Team Canada Atlantic trade missions."
"Once again our Island companies have made impressive strides in export markets during a trade event," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology on behalf of the Government of P.E.I. "P.E.I. companies participating on this mission are anticipating $5.75 million in revenue over the next two years as a direct result of this mission."
In addition to increased sales and job creation, the Atlantic Canadian companies who participated in this mission were able to establish 39 new agents, distributors and partners in the southeast United States, according to a post-mission survey. In export terms, this represents 39 new points of entry for Atlantic Canadian products.
Perhaps the most telling statistic from the mission is that 72 percent of the Atlantic Canadian participants indicated that they intend to return to Atlanta to pursue that market.
Team Canada Atlantic's trade mission to Atlanta was organized by ACOA, the four Atlantic Provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, P.E.I. Division.