The 64 companies and organizations participating in the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission arrived in Boston yesterday. Over the next few days, delegates will meet with more than 300 potential brokers, agents, buyers, strategic partners and distributors to increase their export capabilities. The Team Canada Atlantic trade mission continues until November 8, 2007.

"The Government of Canada is committed to helping Atlantic Canadian companies increase their exports to international markets," said Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "The New England region is a natural trading partner for Atlantic Canada � the State of Massachusetts is on our doorstep, has a large affluent market and is a centre of technology and innovation."

"Exporting is important to the prolonged success of many of Newfoundland and Labrador�s companies and New England is a key market for the province," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "This trade mission is a significant initiative for our companies and we are confident that it will yield success for the companies involved."

Today, government officials will travel to the Massachusetts State House to meet with Governor Patrick, followed by a roundtable discussion on clean energy. The roundtable is an opportunity to discuss issues of common interest while exploring how Atlantic Canada can work in closer collaboration with the New England region.

Following the roundtable is a luncheon hosted by the Canadian Consulate General in Boston and the New England-Canada Business Council (NECBC). Federal and provincial government officials, U.S. CEOs and business leaders will discuss trade development and partnership opportunities between Atlantic Canada and Boston.

The luncheon leads into an afternoon discussion at the Technology and Innovation Forum hosted by the NECBC. This forum will highlight Atlantic Canada�s innovative products, leading-edge technologies and skilled labour. The conference will provide an opportunity to showcase Atlantic Canada�s ability to innovate in such diverse areas as marine technologies, technologies for healthcare and education, life sciences and bridging labour shortages.

Day one concludes with the Taste of Atlantic Canada Showcase and Reception. This continues to be a key draw for U.S. participants and a highly successful event for the TCA trade missions. The reception provides mission participants with an opportunity to network with representatives from local businesses, industry associations and government officials.

Participating agri-food and seafood suppliers from Atlantic Canada will meet with buyers and distributors during the showcase and reception.

Team Canada Atlantic is a partnership of ACOA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Industry Canada, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation and the four Atlantic Provinces.

Thirteen previous TCA trade missions � to the New England states, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago and Florida � have helped 490 Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to meet with 3,380 agents and business owners from across the United States, resulting in export sales in excess of $41 million.

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