According to the Team Canada Atlantic delegation, Chicago is living up to its reputation as a “city that works” by providing a busy first day of meetings during its first official trade mission to “The Windy City.” The Team Canada Atlantic delegation is in Chicago until Thursday, April 14, 2005.
“The TCA delegation has had some great meetings and discussions with Chicago area business and industry leaders,” said the Honourable Joe McGuire, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “The feedback we’ve received indicates that the potential for investment, export and partnering opportunities is significant.”
Senator Marilyn Trenholme Counsell is taking part in the mission on behalf of Minister McGuire.
“The formation of new partnerships in the Chicago area will translate into business relationships that will create stronger economic growth for PEI in the future,” said Premier Pat Binns. “Canada and the United States share the largest and most extensive trading relationship. By continuing to work together, we can enhance our trade relations that work to mutually benefit both country’s interests.”
During this first day, representatives from 45 Atlantic Canadian companies and business organizations met with potential agents, brokers, distributors, and strategic partners.
Other events included information sessions on doing business in the U.S., a networking luncheon with World Trade Center Chicago (WTCC) member companies and a panel discussion on investment in Atlantic Canada and the U.S. Mid-West.
Team Canada Atlantic is a partnership of ACOA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs Canada, International Trade Canada and the four Atlantic provinces. Team Canada Atlantic is committed to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Atlantic Canada and the United States.
Trade missions have been at the core of the Team Canada Atlantic approach since 1999. Nine trade missions to the New England states, Atlanta, New York, and Washington have helped more than 300 Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to meet with nearly 2,500 buyers, agents and business owners from across the United States, resulting in export sales in excess of $35 million.