Newfoundland and Labrador companies invited 
to explore market opportunities in New York City

Team Canada Atlantic has selected New York City as its next trade mission location. In order to help Newfoundland and Labrador companies interested in expanding or increasing their exports in the Big Apple, officers from the Canadian Consulate General in New York City will be at the Fairmont Newfoundland Hotel on January 21 to discuss prospects for Newfoundland and Labrador companies.

The Exploring Marketing Opportunities in New York City session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and all export-ready businesses interested in exploring this major market are welcome to attend.

"Atlantic companies interested in furthering their exports to the United States may be considering New York City as their next place to do business. The environment is right for introducing new products and services into this growing market," said Robert G. Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Despite the September 11, 2001 tragedy, New York continues to be a thriving, vibrant city that is always open for business."

As the largest urban centre in the United States, New York City is home to more than eight million people and its metro region population exceeds 21 million. It's also the business and financial capital of the world with 97 Fortune 500 leading national and international corporations headquartered there.

Many Newfoundland and Labrador companies have already established trade relationships within the New York market and this trade mission will give more companies a chance to explore this market.

"Newfoundland and Labrador exported over $2.8 billion in goods and services to the United States in 2000. Our exports to New York alone totalled over $43 million, a significant portion of our United States exports," said Premier Roger Grimes. "We made a commitment in our Jobs and Growth strategy to develop our trade and export initiatives. Newfoundland and Labrador's participation in this Team Canada Atlantic mission to New York is just another example of how we are doing that."

"Firms interested in getting into the fast-paced New York City market should attend this seminar," says Andr� LeBlanc, Trade Commissioner with the Canadian Consulate in New York. "You will gain insight into what sector opportunities exist and discover if New York is the right market for your business." 

Discussions will focus on business opportunities in a variety of sectors including value-added food products, information technology, consumer products, construction and building products, biotechnology, and United Nations procurement opportunities. Interested businesses are asked to contact Jonathan Brockway at (709) 729-5680 by January 17.

The information session is presented by Team Canada Atlantic and is being funded through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Cooperation Agreement on International Business Development.

Media contact:

Jennifer Savoy
Press Secretary
Minister Robert G. Thibault's Office
(613) 941-7291

Josephine Cheeseman
Newfoundland and Labrador, Industry, Trade and Rural Development
(709) 729-4570

Pauline Pitre-Savoie
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(506) 851-6403

2002 01 07                         1:35 p.m.