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NLIS 6 April 2, 2003 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Newfoundland and Labrador companies take international stage Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced that Atlantic Canadian companies are participating in an international food show, SIAL Montr�al, from April 2-4, 2003. "In Atlantic Canada, food and beverage manufacturing provides employment to more than 33,000 people," said Minister Byrne. "The value of manufacturing shipments in this industry reached $6.3 billion in 2001 and ACOA continues to be very supportive of local companies striving to expand their markets beyond our region." Grand Bank Seafoods of Grand Bank, Markland Cottage Winery Ltd. of Whitbourne, and the Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood industry will be among exhibitors from the Atlantic region that will be part of a 3,300 square foot Atlantic Canada Pavilion at this event, which is held every two years. "Trade and export initiatives play an important role in the economic development of the province," said Minister Foote. "Trade shows like SIAL provide a forum for Newfoundland and Labrador companies to promote their products, make contacts and build on established relationships with major players in the food and beverage industry." SIAL Montr�al 2003 is the premier North American International Food, Beverage, Wine and Spirits Exhibition, attracting over 15,000 visitors from over 80 different countries. The trade show will take place at the Palais des Congr�s de Montr�al. The purpose of Atlantic Canada�s participation in this event is to create new business partnerships, increase trade and build strategic alliances between Atlantic Canadian companies and the major international food and beverage businesses represented at the show. The Atlantic Canada Pavilion will bring together exhibitors, government officials, and Chef de cuisine Richard Chiasson of the Acadian Culinary Institute of Grande-Anse, New Brunswick. Visitors will be treated to some of the best Atlantic Canadian products and services. Also, a private, exclusive reception to showcase Atlantic Canadian products to food and beverage buyers from Mexico, South Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, the United States and Europe is being planned as part of the show�s activities. In addition to exhibiting at the show, companies from Atlantic Canada have participated in intensive, pre-show, competitive intelligence training, which provides them with the tools and resources necessary to maximize their participation at SIAL. The Atlantic Canada Pavilion is funded through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces COOPERATION Agreement on International Business Development Agreement (IBDA). The 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 � the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Industry Canada and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Media contact:
2003 04 02 2:45 p.m. |
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