The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced today that the second Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to New York City has begun.
Business delegates representing 42 Atlantic Canadian companies began arriving in New York City today for a series of meetings with US companies to pursue potential market opportunities in the tri-state area. Following the success of the first trade mission to New York City last May, Team Canada Atlantic returns to bolster existing business relationships and foster new ones.
"Enthusiasm is very high as we look to build on the initiatives started in May, in order to greatly expand our investment and trade business with the tri-state area" noted Minister Byrne. "As federal minister responsible for fostering economic growth in Atlantic Canada, I recognize the importance of participating in the development of strong trade relations."
The 42 companies will participate in no less than 198 meetings with potential agents, distributors and business partners while in New York. On November 5, "A Taste of Atlantic Canada" reception will provide participants with the opportunity to treat potential business partners to some of Atlantic Canada's finest cuisine.
"We are here because there is immense opportunity in the New York area and trade missions are an ideal vehicle to open the door to that opportunity," said the Honourable Michael Currie, Minister responsible for the PEI Department of Development and Technology. "Over the past three years, Team Canada Atlantic trade missions have resulted in the creation of 320 full-time jobs in Prince Edward Island. Those are the kind of results we are working towards."
"Atlantic Canadian businesses continue to make inroads into the ever important American marketplace," said Pamela Wallin, Canada's Consul General in New York. "Team Canada Atlantic offers a significant opportunity for participants to foster business relationships in one of the most dynamic markets in the United States."
With a population of 21 million, metro New York City is the largest urban centre in the United States. It is also one of the business and financial capitals of the world with 97 of the Fortune 500 corporations headquartered there.
The trade mission continues through Thursday, November 7. The Team Canada Atlantic Trade Mission to New York City is a cooperative effort between ACOA, 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.
Additional information and photos on Team Canada Atlantic's second trade mission to New York City can be found at www.TeamCanadaAtlantic.com.