NLIS 7
May 15, 2001
(Executive Council)

Team Canada Atlantic trade mission off to good start in Atlanta

Delegates from 40 participating Atlantic Canadian companies, including 10 from Newfoundland and Labrador, are off and running as the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission gets off to a good start in Atlanta, Georgia.

On Monday, delegates representing the information technology, aerospace and defense, communications and agri-foods sectors participated in a forum with Prime Minister Jean Chretien, International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, and the premiers of the Atlantic Provinces. The forum, which gave delegates an opportunity to get up close and personal with the political leaders, kicked off three days of pre-arranged business meetings between Atlantic Canadian delegates and businesses in the Southern United States.

Premier Roger Grimes is leading the Newfoundland and Labrador delegation.

"The Southern United States holds a lot of promise as an export market for Newfoundland and Labrador companies," said Premier Grimes. "Our products and services are among the best in the world. The Team Canada Atlantic trade mission is another opportunity for our companies to get that message out."

Victor Bonnah, president of Atlantic Communications Enterprises Limited of St. John's, said on Monday evening that his meetings were off to a great start. "Today was very productive. I had three meetings today and two yesterday. I've been very pleased so far. Team Canada Atlantic has done a great job of matching the delegates with companies. So far, most of the companies I have met with have been a great fit."

Robert J. Gosse, president of CHC Composites, Inc. of Gander, had a great day as well. "I had meetings with one company down here in particular which were very productive. Our company will continue talks with them and there is a possibility of a deal. I'm very optimistic."

The trade mission is being organized by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada, and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. 

The Southern United States has been the fastest growing market in the United States over the past six years. In 1999, Canada's exports to the region exceeded $22 billion - about three times Canada's exports to Japan. Atlanta, Georgia is the economic hub of the region.

High resolution photos related to the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to Atlanta will be posted to www.teamcanadaatlantic.com as they become available.

Media contact:
Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier (709) 729-3564.
Josephine Cheeseman, Industry, Trade and Rural Development (709) 729-4570.

2001 05 15                                        2:30 p.m.