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NLIS 9 May 17, 2002 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Team Canada Atlantic ready to do business in New York Business delegates representing nine Newfoundland and Labrador companies will be among the Atlantic Canadian companies in New York City next week for a series of meetings with United States companies to pursue potential market opportunities in the tri-state area. This is the first trade mission to New York City by Team Canada Atlantic. "Interest in this trade mission has been incredible, with 38 companies and organizations taking part as full mission delegates. In fact, because of the demand, we have opened up the mission to include 12 associate participants," noted Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "All of these representatives will act as ambassadors for Atlantic Canada, by demonstrating that our region is open for business and investment." Premier Roger Grimes, who is leading the Newfoundland and Labrador delegation, said the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission "is an excellent way for our companies to make contacts and establish relationships in the New York market. However, it is equally important for companies to maintain and grow those contacts and relationships once the trade mission is over. Companies make the majority of deals in the weeks and sometimes even months following the mission. Follow-up is crucial." The trade mission will be officially launched Tuesday evening, May 21 at a reception for all the delegates, where participants will be reminded of the importance of staying in touch with their business contacts after the trade mission is through. "Atlantic Canadian businesses continue to make inroads into the ever important American marketplace," said Michael Philips, Canada's Consul General in New York. "Team Canada Atlantic 2002 offers a significant opportunity for participants to foster business relationships in the metro New York region." The Newfoundland and Labrador companies participating as full mission delegates are:
The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation also includes two associate delegates, Rodrigues Winery of Markland and Galen Gypsum of Stephenville. Companies attending as associate delegates are invited to take part in the investment promotion activities of the New York mission. Matchmaking services, which are provided to the full delegates, are not automatically available to associate delegates. The program for the trade mission includes three days of business meetings and networking events. A highlight will be A Taste of Atlantic Canada food promotion event which will promote Atlantic Canadian hospitality and food products. Rodrigues Winery will promote its products at this event. With a population of 21 million, metro New York City is the largest urban centre in the United States. It's also the business and financial capital of the world and has 97 of the Fortune 500 corporations headquartered there. The trade mission continues through Thursday, May 23. 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 inquiries:
2002 05 17 2:55 p.m. |
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