The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Premier Pat Binns officially opened the first Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to Washington D.C., (November 2-6). Close to 50 companies from Atlantic Canada are participating in the trade mission.
“Trade is a crucial component of the Atlantic economy; it’s more important now than at any other time in our history,” said Minister Byrne during the opening reception and delegate briefing. “Trade missions like this one, figure front and center in our overall approach to trade development. Over the past few years, Atlantic trade missions have generated millions of dollars in additional export revenue for dozens of firms in the region.”
“Exporting is an integral component of the marketing strategies for the Island participants on this mission,” said Premier Binns. “This Washington trade mission provides participating P.E.I. businesses with an opportunity to connect with major export markets. I am excited about the potential prospects awaiting P.E.I. in the Greater Washington Region and look forward to the successful outcome of the next few days.”
Since the Team Canada Atlantic program began in 1999, there has been a total of seven trade missions to Atlanta, New England and New York. The missions have enabled more than 250 Atlantic Canadian firms to meet with over 1,900 U.S. buyers, agents, and business owners from across the United States, helping to generate $20 million in short term sales and more than $80 million in long term sales.
The Washington mission will focus on developing opportunities for enhanced export business for Atlantic businesses in the areas of information and communications technology, biotechnology, agri-foods, consumer products, and building and construction.
Team Canada Atlantic missions are designed to increase trade and foreign direct investment through strategic initiatives targeted specifically to select U.S. markets. The missions introduce export-ready firms to international markets and enable experienced exporters the opportunity to explore new markets.
Team Canada Atlantic partners include: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA); Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade/Canadian Consulates; Agriculture and Agri-food Canada; Industry Canada; Team Canada; Business New Brunswick; N/LA Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development; Nova Scotia Business Inc.; P.E.I. Business Development Inc.; and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME).