Team Canada Atlantic's return trade mission to New York ended on a high note last week. More than 200 meetings were arranged with representatives from corporate America for business delegates representing 41 companies from across the Atlantic Provinces
Five companies from Prince Edward Island participated in the trade mission. The mission was led by The Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and the Honourable Michael F. Currie, Minister of Development and Technology, along with other Atlantic Canadian Ministers of Trade and Investment.
"This return mission to New York City was a tremendous opportunity for our companies to efficiently access a huge market," said Minister Byrne, "and while the full results will continue to materialize over the next several months, initial indications are that this trip has been a great success. New strategic contacts were made, agents were secured and deals were signed. I look forward to seeing these exciting new business opportunities unfold."
With a population of 21 million, metropolitan New York 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.
Participants from the Atlantic Canada region during this three-day event (November 5-7) represented a broad spectrum of industrial sectors and business specialties, such as information technology, agriculture and agri-food, building products, culture, consumer products and industrial products.
"The purpose of a trade mission is to help Island companies enter new export markets, and I believe many new doors were opened while we were in New York," said Minister Michael Currie. "While we judge this to be a successful mission, future sales will tell the story. We're expecting to hear of some contracts being signed in the months ahead which will mean new dollars flowing through the PEI economy."
Prince Edward Aqua Farms Inc. in Kensington specializes in mussels, Malpeque oysters, quahogs and clams. During the trade mission, company General Manager Gerard Bidgood signed a contract to ship 50,000 pounds of mussels in the Tri-State area.
Other Island companies involved in the mission to New York included the PEI Seafood Association and Island Quality Vegetables. Their products were featured at the Taste of Atlantic Canada Reception which was held at the beginning of the week and attracted over 200 guests, including food and beverage buyers.
Activities related to attracting US investment to Atlantic Canada were also part of the Team Atlantic Trade mission. One of the key activities was a meeting between federal and provincial Ministers and New York site selectors. Site selectors assist companies who are seeking to expand internationally.
The Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to New York City was organized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador; the Departments of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.
Additional information and recent photos on Team Canada Atlantic's trade mission to New York City can be found at http://www.TeamCanadaAtlantic.com.