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NLIS 2 November 6, 2001 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Team Canada Atlantic headed for Atlanta Building on the success of last May�s mission to southeast United States, 32 Atlantic Canadian companies will be heading to Atlanta, Georgia on November 13-15 to pursue potential markets. Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will lead the Team Canada Atlantic delegation. He will be accompanied by three provincial ministers responsible for trade: Minister of Business New Brunswick Norman Betts, Nova Scotia Minister of Economic Development Gordon Balser, and Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development Beaton Tulk. "The first trade mission to Atlanta put Atlantic Canada on the map, as far as the southeastern United States markets are concerned," said Minister Thibault. "Many businesses in that region now know more about our region and what our companies can do. I�m confident we can build on the success of that trip. The partnerships formed during the two trade missions will create a solid foundation to develop trade and investment opportunities for many years to come." If the last trade mission is any indication, the Atlantic Canadian companies on this trip should be successful. Surveys conducted after the May mission show the 37 Atlantic Canadian companies who participated are expected to make a combined $34.5 million in sales over the next two years as a direct result of new business contacts made in the Atlanta area. It�s estimated that will translate into 249 new jobs in the Atlantic region. "There is significant market potential in this region for Newfoundland and Labrador products and services," said Beaton Tulk, Newfoundland and Labrador Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "This follow-up mission is part of our long-term strategy - outlined in our Report on Jobs and Growth - to increase our exports to the United States, building on the success we've already achieved." Of the 32 Atlantic Canadian companies heading to Atlanta this time, 11 are from New Brunswick, nine from Newfoundland, eight from Nova Scotia and five from Prince Edward Island. The companies cover a wide range of industries, but focus mostly on technology and value-added products and services. This trade mission is the fifth in the Team Canada Atlantic initiative. Missions to New England in the past two and a half years have generated almost $7 million in immediate sales for Atlantic Canadian companies, with projected sales of $70 million over a two year period. The goal of the Atlanta Trade Mission is to create new business partnerships, increase trade and investment and build strategic alliances between Atlantic Canadian and southeastern United States companies. Southeast United States has been the fastest-growing market in the country in the last six years. In 2000, Canada�s trade with the region exceeded $57 billion. Trade between Atlantic Canada and southeast United States accounted for $2.4 billion. Atlanta is headquarters for 50 Fortune 500 companies, including Coca-Cola, Federal Express and Home Depot. Atlanta is also the economic hub of the southeast region, with opportunities for trade in virtually every sector. Team Canada Atlantic�s trade mission to Atlanta is organized by ACOA, the four Atlantic provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters. Media contact:
2001 11 06 12:00 p.m. |
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