NLIS 1
January 22, 2003
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

Newfoundland and Labrador companies invited
to explore market opportunities in Washington, D.C.

Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Premier Roger Grimes today announced that Team Canada Atlantic has selected the Greater Washington area, with a population of just over 33 million people, as its next trade mission location.

"I am pleased that companies from Atlantic Canada continue to develop and expand into the lucrative American market," said Minister Byrne. "The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency recognizes the importance of the Washington, D.C. region and is working diligently to assist our region�s firms in developing this market."

"This government has made trade and export development a key priority of its Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth," said Premier Grimes. "Building on the momentum of last year's successful Team Canada Atlantic missions to New York, we are confident that Newfoundland and Labrador companies will be able to capitalize on the trade and investment opportunities available in the Washington area."

Staff from the Canadian Embassy in Washington will be at The Fairmont Hotel in St. John�s on Thursday, January 23 to discuss the prospects for Newfoundland and Labrador companies. The Exploring Marketing Opportunities in Washington session will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and all Newfoundland and Labrador businesses are welcome to attend.

"There are tremendous opportunities for Atlantic Canadian companies to do business in the U.S. capital," said Lynda Watson, minister-counsellor (commercial) and head of the International Business Development Program at the Canadian Embassy in Washington, D.C. "Since local consumers appreciate high-quality products, we invite Atlantic Canadian businesses to consider establishing a presence in this market."

Atlantic Canada exports to the Mid-Atlantic states (Delaware, District of Columbia (D.C.), Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia) were valued at $1.6 billion in 2001, accounting for approximately nine percent of Atlantic Canada�s total export market.

Discussions will focus on business opportunities in a variety of sectors including information and communications, biotechnology, value-added food products, consumer products, and construction and building products.

Interested businesses are asked to contact Jonathan Brockway at (709) 729-5680 or by e-mail at jbrockway@mail.gov.nf.ca

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

The Canada/Atlantic Provinces COOPERATION Agreement on International Business Development Agreement (IBDA) is designed to increase exporting in Atlantic Canada by funding projects that help small- and medium-sized companies explore, enter and succeed in international markets. The IBDA focuses on international trade as an economic development imperative, and provides a forum for cooperation and coordinated action. First signed in May 1994, the agreement involves the four Atlantic Canadian provincial governments and three federal departments � Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.

Media contact:

Rachel Sullivan
Office of the Minister of State for ACOA
613) 941-7241

Carl Cooper
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3960

Tracy Kenney
Public Relations Specialist
NL Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development
(709) 729-2257

Gilles Allain
Senior Communications Officer ACOA
(506) 851-2509

2003 01 22                                          11:05 a.m.


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