Increased interest in trade mission to New York leads ACOA and
province to invite additional businesses as associate participants

Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Roger Grimes, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that local companies are being offered the opportunity to join the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to New York City (May 21-23) as Associate Participants.

Associate Participants can attend numerous trade mission events such as the Taste of Atlantic Canada reception; the Team Canada Atlantic forum; breakfast with the Atlantic Premiers and Minister Byrne; and an investment luncheon co-sponsored by the Canadian Society of New York. Matchmaking services with New York-based businesses are also available on a fee-for-service basis.

"Interest in the Team Canada Atlantic Trade mission has been overwhelming," said Minister Byrne. "By offering this additional opportunity to network with members of the United States and Canadian business communities as Associate Participants, we�re expanding our team and increasing our potential investment and trade advantages."

"This is a great opportunity for additional Newfoundland and Labrador companies to participate in the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission to New York City," said Premier Grimes. "Associate Participants will be able to promote their companies in a very high profile way to this market."

In addition, agri-food companies have the option of attending the Taste of Atlantic Canada reception as an exhibitor to showcase their products at an event that will be attended by representatives of the food service and retail industry of New York.

The Team Canada Atlantic Mission to New York City is a cooperative effort between ACOA, the four Atlantic Provinces, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Industry Canada and the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters.

Additional information on Team Canada Atlantic�s trade mission to New York City can be found at: www.teamcanadaatlantic.com

Media contact:

Peter A. H. Graham
Office of the Minister of State, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, (613) 957-9959

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

Wes Harrison
Communications Officer, Team Canada Atlantic Secretariat, ACOA PEI, (902) 368-0842

Pauline Pitre-Savoie
Communications Officer, ACOA Head Office, (506) 851-6403

2002 04 15                          4:05 p.m.