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NLIS 2 May 21, 2001 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Team Canada Atlantic makes pitch to site selectors Several high-level site selectors heard first-hand today from a federal cabinet minister and four premiers about the many advantages for U.S. companies to establish themselves in Atlantic Canada. Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Premier Roger Grimes and the three other Atlantic Canada premiers met with site selectors during Team Canada Atlantic�s first trade mission to New York City. Minister Byrne noted: "There are many advantages for any company thinking about doing business in Atlantic Canada. Cost is one of the most obvious. A recent study showed that our region holds a nearly 10 per cent cost advantage compared to the United States over nine industrial sectors." Premier Grimes said the meeting with key site selectors was a great opportunity to promote the many advantages of doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador. "We have created the right environment to do business, we have an educated workforce, and we have a good infrastructure base with a very competitive cost climate. We also have strong growth opportunities in many sectors, and promoting these opportunities is an important part of our efforts to attract potential investors to our province." Site selectors are the consultants of choice to 35 per cent of CEOs in the United States. They play a major role in the decision-making process as it relates to the relocation, real estate and expansion of American companies. Eleven top site selectors took part in the discussions at today�s meeting. Following the meeting Minister Byrne, Premier Grimes and the other premiers were guest panelists at a specially arranged forum that was attended primarily by lawyers and other business executives interested in international trade issues. The forum, coordinated with the support of the Metropolitan Corporate Council and the World Affairs Council, provided a further opportunity to discuss the tremendous advantages of doing business in Atlantic Canada to a group of key individuals who provide strategic investment and trade advice to large corporations. Business delegates, including those representing nine Newfoundland and Labrador companies, had their first full day of meetings with local companies today. Today�s itinerary winds up with a Taste of Atlantic Canada reception tonight when Rodrigues Winery of Markland will be among the Atlantic Canada companies having products on display. Delegates will have an opportunity to network with representatives from local businesses, industry associations and government officials. Further details on the many advantages of
doing business in Canada are available online at: 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 and recent photos from
the trade mission to New York City can be found at: Media contact:
2002 05 21 2:50 p.m. |
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