Representatives from Havana, Cuba and Charlottetown, PEI, will be assembling on common ground to discuss potential opportunities for PEI companies and to establish contacts with the Havana business community.
Wes MacAleer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, and Eric Hammill, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, will lead a trade mission of 16 companies representing sectors such as agriculture and agrifood, seafood, aquaculture and diversified manufacturing to Havana, Cuba. PEI companies will be given the opportunity to meet with the Chamber of Commerce in Cuba and local businesses interested in their products and services.
"I am pleased and excited at the economic potential this mission presents for the province," said Minister MacAleer. "There is a strong historical bond between Canada and Cuba and participants in this mission from both countries will be working to establish and develop potential areas of growth common to the two cities."
Recently, an "Agreement of Intent between the City of Charlottetown and the Central Municipalities of the City of Havana" was signed by the mayor of each city. In addition to "twinning" the two cities, the agreement permits an exchange of information and encourages a co-operation in establishing a mutually beneficial working relationship. The areas of interest to both cities include education; health care; sports; culture and recreation; tourism and technical support.
"The mission is a tremendous opportunity for Prince Edward Island," said Minister Hammill. "The exchange of information and the chance to gain future business contacts on an international level such as this offers a learning experience second-to-none for the members of the PEI Trade Mission."
The PEI Trade Mission has been a result of on-going discussions between the PEI Trade Development Centre, the Canadian Embassy in Havana and the Cuban Trade Commission in Montreal.