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Business February 14, 2008 Federal Minister to Lead Canada�s Atlantic Gateway Business Mission to India
The Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will lead an Atlantic Gateway-focused business mission to India from February 18 to 22, 2008. The mission will include key business forums in New Delhi and Mumbai and promote Canada�s Atlantic Gateway to Indian shippers, business leaders, and key government representatives. Minister MacKay will be accompanied by provincial government representatives and a private sector delegation representing airports, ports, railways, and transportation-related businesses and associations active in Atlantic Canada. "The development of Canada�s gateways and trade corridors is part of our government�s commitment to facilitating international trade and increasing our national competitiveness by linking North America to the world," said Minister MacKay. "This mission demonstrates our government�s continuing partnership with the four Atlantic Provinces to develop the Atlantic Gateway initiative." "The Atlantic Gateway is an important part of the Government of Canada�s strategy to improve out trade competitiveness through gateways that connect North America with the world," said the Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, in support of the mission. "We consider India to be a priority market and this mission will provide Canadian businesses with the chance to develop and strengthen commercial ties with their Indian counterparts." Ministers from all four Atlantic Provinces will participate in the mission. They include: the Honourable Paul Oram, Minister of Business for Newfoundland and Labrador; the Honourable Ron W. MacKinley, Minister of Transportation and Public Works for Prince Edward Island; the Honourable Denis Landry, Minister of Transportation for New Brunswick; and the Honourable Angus MacIsaac, Deputy Premier, Minister of Economic Development, and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Gateway in Nova Scotia. "As significant shifts in global transport and trading patterns continue, especially in relation to the growing Asian market, Newfoundland and Labrador and the rest of Atlantic Canada want to capitalize on the opportunities this presents," said Minister Oram. "The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is pleased to be participating in this trade mission and ongoing discussions on the gateway, and we are committed to ensuring that the initiative brings new investment, jobs, and economic opportunities to our province." - 30 - NOTE: Members of the media are advised that Minister MacKay will be available to respond to media questions about the India Mission on Friday February 15 starting at 12:30 p.m. E.T. Interested media should call 1-888-265-0464 and provide the conference ID (#34933548) by 12:15 E.T. to join the call. Media contacts:
BACKGROUNDER
The following companies and organizations will make up
the business delegation: 2008 02 14
4:55 p.m.
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