Federal and Provincial investment supports PEI trade mission to the Caribbean region to strengthen Island export ties

Trade Team PEI (TTPEI) is traveling to the Caribbean region with twelve Island-based organizations to participate in a multi-sector mission to develop commercial and academic relationships with seven islands in the region.

“The economy is our Government’s top priority,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Our Government’s trade investments support local companies in gaining the trade expertise and knowledge needed to export successfully, which will serve in strengthening the entire Atlantic region’s export capacity.”

Trade Team PEI, led by ACOA and Innovation PEI, plays a key role in planning activities and delivering programs that are designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses effectively compete in international markets.

“The trade links between Prince Edward Island and the islands of the Caribbean go back centuries. It is very promising to see our Island businesses creating economic opportunities by exploring this important marketplace,” said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

This trade mission to the Caribbean region is a multi-sector mission taking place from April 10 to 17. Island-based organizations joining the trade delegation include representatives from the following sectors: agri-food; professional services; ICT; environmental; bioscience; and education. During this mission, organizations will participate in over 170 pre-arranged, business-to-business meetings with representatives from seven Caribbean islands to explore potential business opportunities.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, and the Province of Prince Edward, through Innovation PEI, is supporting the mission with a combined investment of $101,600.

Trade Team PEI is a partnership network of federal and provincial government agencies and departments committed to helping Prince Edward Island-based trade and export-focussed businesses succeed in their pursuit of new business opportunities in the global marketplace.

Media Contact: Ron Ryder