The Team Canada Atlantic delegation, in conjunction with the Canadian American Business Council (CABC), participated today in a key luncheon attended by more than 500 top U.S. CEOs to promote and enhance the trade relationship with Atlantic Canada.
"This trade mission will help entrepreneurs and business people from Atlantic Canada develop effective partnerships in Washington D.C.," said the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "Atlantic Canada's economy has momentum and we are fostering the climate for long-term, sustainable, economic growth. We are laying the groundwork for Atlantic Canada's future development as a globally competitive place in which to live and work."
"The importance of Atlantic Canadian political leaders meeting with high-level U.S. Officials while in Washington, is key to forming new partnerships that will have a positive impact on our PEI economy," said Premier Binns. "As more International contracts are awarded to PEI companies, more dollars are injected into the provincial economy and more jobs are created."
The CABC is the premier voice of the Canadian American business community in Washington. Established in 1987, the Council is a non-profit, issues-oriented organization dedicated to elevating the private sector perspective on issues that affect Canada and the United States. The Council's activities include high-level briefings on issues of current concern, assistance with practical trade and policy challenges, and providing significant networking opportunities and informative seminars.
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 more than $20 million in short term sales and more than $80 million in long term sales.
Canada and the United States share the world's largest, most comprehensive trading relationship. Approximately $2.4 billion U.S. in trade is now crossing the Canada-U.S. border daily.
Atlantic Canada exports to the Mid-Atlantic States (Delaware, Washington, D.C., Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia) were valued at $1.5 billion in 2002. This accounted for approximately 7.6% of Atlantic Canada's total export market.
The Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to Washington is organized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
For more information on the Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to Washington, D.C., visit:
http://www.teamcanadaatlantic.com
For photos, visit ACOA's Photo Album:
http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca/mediaroom/photo/photo.shtml#washington