A delegation from Prince Edward Island is participating in a trade mission to Asia in an effort to build business relationships and educational partnerships, said Premier Robert Ghiz. The mission will include stops in Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
“The goals of the mission are to advance trade and investment opportunities in key markets in Asia, show business leaders the opportunities that exist in Prince Edward Island, strengthen partnerships to enhance tourism and foster co-operation in post-secondary education,” said Premier Ghiz. “This mission is part of our province’s ongoing efforts to stimulate economic growth, trade and international investment.”
Highlights of the mission include a visit to Canadian International School Tokyo that uses the Prince Edward Island curriculum, meeting with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in both Japan and Taiwan, an event with a Taiwanese grocery store chain launching a Canadian food promotion that features P.E.I. products as well as meeting with key tourism partners in Japan. There will also be a meeting with NHK, a Japanese broadcaster who will be airing a docu-drama regarding the translation of Anne of Green Gables.
“Trade missions have a direct impact on our province’s economic growth, which is why we continue to reach beyond our borders to explore partnership opportunities in agri-food and seafood, research, education, and tourism,” said Premier Ghiz.
BACKGROUNDER:
The delegation includes business delegates, as well as education representatives from the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College and Study Abroad Canada Language Institute.
Japan – P.E.I. Relations
• Japan is P.E.I.’s fourth largest export market, dominated by fish/seafood and agriculture products.
• Last year, Prince Edward Island saw significant growth of 35 per cent in exports to Japan. Japan continues to be an important tourism market for P.E.I., with nearly 3,000 Japanese visitors to the Island in 2013.
Taiwan – P.E.I. Relations
• P.E.I.’s exports to Taiwan have experienced significant growth over the past five years, from $1.7 million in 2008 to $4 million in 2012.
• P.E.I. was the fastest-growing provincial exporter to Taiwan between 2008 and 2012.