Team Canada Atlantic wraps day one in Florida

Day one of the Team Canada Atlantic (TCA) trade mission to Miami and Orlando ended on a high note with "A Taste of Atlantic Canada Showcase and Reception" � a networking event that highlighted Atlantic Canadian food products for U.S. industry leaders and business representatives.

"This was a great day of business meetings for our companies and officials. It showed that Florida is a great target market for Atlantic Canadian products and services," said Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "It also provided many opportunities for our Canadian businesses to demonstrate their expertise and capabilities to potential customers and partners in the U.S."

"Florida�s trade and investment market is brimming with possibilities for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses, as this first day has demonstrated," said John Ottenheimer, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Our delegates are establishing valuable contacts and forging new relations with potential clients, partners and commercial leaders who can assist these companies to reach their export goals by penetrating larger markets."

During this first day of the mission, representatives from 46 Atlantic Canadian companies and business organizations met with potential agents, brokers, distributors and strategic partners. Government officials also participated in meetings and a panel discussion on transportation issues. The Canadian Consulate General in Miami also hosted a luncheon for the federal and provincial government officials and U.S. CEOs and business leaders to discuss developing trade and partnership opportunities.

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

Eleven previous trade missions � to the New England states, Atlanta, New York, Washington D.C., and Chicago � have helped 360 Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs to meet with close to

3,000 agents and business owners from across the United States, resulting in export sales of more than $37 million.

Visit www.teamcanadaatlantic.com for more information.

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2006 05 16                                   3:10 p.m.