Business leaders in Atlantic Canada�s ocean industries
sector will attend an international trade event to increase their export
sales and expand their global markets. Ocean Business 2009 will be held
March 31-April 2, in Southampton, England, and is a biennial hands-on
ocean technology exhibition, incorporating demonstrations and training
workshops.
"The Government of Canada is committed to helping
Atlantic Canadian companies succeed on the international stage," said
the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister
for the Atlantic Gateway. "Our government�s support of this trade
mission will provide Atlantic Canadian companies in the ocean industries
sector with important learning, networking and marketing opportunities
that can help them to expand their business horizons and in turn enhance
Atlantic Canada�s economic performance."
"The valuable work of Newfoundland and Labrador�s
ocean technology sector in the areas of ocean observation, maritime
surveillance, unmanned vehicles, and simulation products has positioned
the province as the knowledge and business base of marine and subsea
technology," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development. "Industry events such as Ocean Business
2009 mark an important step in continuing to strengthen the products and
services of the province�s ocean technology sector on the global stage.
As a government, we are pleased to provide the resources that facilitate
the continued success of our ocean industry."
The primary objectives of this trade initiative are to
showcase the capabilities of Atlantic Canada�s ocean technology
companies and strengthen their export activity, building on the success
of their mission to Ocean Business 2007, which opened up new
international markets and generated new export sales.
Ocean Business 2009 is an ocean technology training
and procurement forum. The event, hosted by the National Oceanography
Centre, one of the world�s leading oceanographic institutions, provides
participants with a one-stop opportunity to meet face-to-face with
potential users/buyers, showcase their technology, explore new avenues
for technology transfer, and increase their competitive knowledge. The
inaugural event in 2007 attracted over 1,500 delegates from 36
countries.
The Atlantic Canada delegates will promote their ocean
technology expertise at the exhibition, participate in on-site
activities, have access to extensive in-classroom training sessions and
on-water demonstrations, and build relationships with key industry
stakeholders at a networking reception.
In recent years, there has been a substantial increase
in international demand for ocean technologies and services, which
presents global opportunities for Atlantic Canada�s ocean technology
sector. The industry is a key component of the Atlantic Canadian economy
and a principle source of research and development, technology and
innovation activity. This sector exports over 50 per cent of its
products and services.
A total of $53,500 in financial assistance for the
delegation�s participation in Ocean Business 2009 is provided through
the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business
Development (IBDA). The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between
the Government of Canada (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Foreign
Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the
four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and is designed to help
Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international
markets. The IBDA is the leading component of a pan-Atlantic effort to
foster business relations, to attract foreign investment and to nurture
technological co-operation.
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