A full range of Prince Edward Island products and services representing a variety of industries will be highlighted during a special trade mission to Boston from February 24 to 28, 2002.
The Island has a long history of prosperous trade relations with New England, which is why this market continues to be a focal point for trade missions. This is the fourth such trade mission to the area since 1999, but for some of the participating companies, this will be their first exporting initiative.
Trade mission participants include Atlantic Mussel Growers Corporation, LePage Fine String Instruments, Fiber Connections, Trout River Industries, Softworld 2002, Tender Loving Corn, Millworks Canada, University of Prince Edward Island Internship Program, Coles Associates, as well as the Atlantic Tourism and Hospitality Institute and the Culinary Institute of Canada.
"More than 80 per cent of Prince Edward Island exports are to the United States, and trade missions have proven to be an effective method to help businesses expand to new markets," said the Honourable Gerry Bryne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
"The Government of PEI continues to be very supportive of trade missions because we see the rewards that Island companies reap from participating," said the Honourable Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology. "The last trade mission to New England consisted of 37 companies from Atlantic Canada and projected sales were $15.2 million over two years. That's new money being injected into this region which is helping companies expand and create employment."
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 the partners.