|
NLIS 2 May 5, 2003 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Atlantic Canada prepares for 2003 European seafood show 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 seven agri-food/seafood companies from Newfoundland and Labrador will attend the largest seafood show in the world from May 6-8 in Brussels, Belgium, with the assistance of the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Cooperation Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The European Seafood Show will showcase Atlantic Canadian seafood producers on an international stage for the purpose of introducing and selling their product in this dynamic market. The seven participating Newfoundland and Labrador companies are:
"The fish and seafood sector is one of the cornerstones of our provincial economy," said Minister Byrne. "The Government of Canada is committed to helping this important industry grow and diversify. Judging by past results, this event will allow the participating export-ready companies to establish valuable international contacts, which could result in immediate and long-term sales. Every time our region�s companies increase their exports, it means more jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians." "The European Seafood Show will provide Newfoundland and Labrador fish and seafood companies an opportunity to network, promote their products and make sales on an international stage," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Judy Foote. "The potential economic benefits of this trade show are significant, not only for our participating companies, but also for our province." The companies that participated in the 2002 event realized on-site sales of more than $2.5 million, with projected sales rising over $15 million within 18 months. 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. Since its establishment, more than 130 projects involving 2,500 Atlantic Canadian companies have been approved. First signed in May 1994, the $13-million 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. ACOA provides 70 percent of the funding while the provincial governments provide the remaining 30 percent. Media contact: Rachel Sullivan Tansy Mundon Gilles Allain 2003 05 05 11:10 a.m. |
||
|
