Exploring trade ties with Poland was the main focus of a visit by the Polish ambassador to Prince Edward Island, says Premier Robert Ghiz.
“Expanding exports is one of the keys to our economic prosperity and the growth of the private sector,” said Premier Ghiz. “The visit by the Polish ambassador provided an excellent opportunity to open up discussions on trade in a potential new market for this province.”
Ambassador Zenon Kosiniak-Kamysz was in Prince Edward Island on Thursday. In addition to courtesy calls at Government House and Charlottetown City Hall, he met with Premier Ghiz, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Minister Ron MacKinley, and Tourism and Culture Minister Robert Henderson. He also met with officials at Holland College.
Although Prince Edward Island’s exports to Poland are nominal, the province is well known in that country because of the immense popularity of Anne of Green Gables.
“Anne is a wonderful ambassador for our province around the world,” said the premier.
Canada and Poland enjoy close bilateral relations. Poland is Canada’s largest trading partner in central and eastern Europe. In 2011, the value of trade was $1.69 billion. Poland is a member of the EU, and combined with its resilience during the recent global economic slowdown, it is an attractive market for Canadian and Prince Edward Island companies.
“Canada has a longstanding and healthy relationship with Poland, and I look forward to the opportunity of building on that,” said Premier Ghiz. “That was the main focus of our discussions during the ambassador’s visit.”