"Canada�s New Government is working with Atlantic Canadian exporters to increase their international export capabilities," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The Team Canada Atlantic trade mission approach is very effective at showcasing Atlantic Canada�s high-quality goods and services in the U.S. market. Previous trade missions have resulted in export sales of approximately $38 million for Atlantic Canadian companies."

"Massachusetts is Newfoundland and Labrador's number one destination in the U.S. for merchandise exports," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Our companies have enjoyed much success in this market based on our province�s long-standing history with New England. Our participation in this mission will allow us to build on the relationships we�ve established on previous visits to New England."

Companies and organizations interested in participating in this trade mission are invited to attend a market information session to learn more about Team Canada Atlantic and the business and export opportunities in Boston. A market information session will be held at the Fairmont Newfoundland, St. John�s, from 8 a.m. � 3:30 p.m. on April 20, 2007. Interested companies can visit www.teamcanadaatlantic.com for more information.

New England is a natural trading partner for Atlantic Canada. The state has a large, affluent market with an economy that is almost entirely service-based. As of 2006, Atlantic Canadian exports to New England totaled more than $9 billion or close to 55 per cent of Atlantic Canada�s total exports. Canada and U.S. bilateral trade in goods and services under the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was over $709 billion, with almost $2 billion worth of goods and services crossing the border every day.

Team Canada Atlantic is a partnership of ACOA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada and the four Atlantic provinces. Team Canada Atlantic is committed to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Atlantic Canada and the United States.

Thirteen previous Team Canada Atlantic trade missions � to the New England states, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago and Florida � have helped 450 Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to meet with close to 3,150 agents and business owners from across the United States, resulting in export sales of $38 million.

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For more information, visit www.teamcanadaatlantic.com.

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2007 03 12                                                     2:05 p.m.