Atlantic Canada�s music artists hope to strike a chord as they meet with international talent buyers, media and record label representatives in Fredericton, N.B., February 7-10, as part of the East Coast Music Association�s International Program. The federal and provincial governments today announced a combined investment of nearly $360,000 towards the ECMA�s international export strategy, which includes the International Program designed to promote Atlantic Canada�s performers globally.

"Atlantic Canada�s music industry is an important contributor to the region�s economy," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Thanks to a federal investment of more than $250,000 for the ECMA international export strategy, Atlantic Canadian performers will have the opportunity to enhance their marketing skills, explore international business opportunities, and promote their products on the international stage."

"Newfoundland and Labrador is home to a vibrant music industry and has a long history of producing world-class artists. The ECMAs is much more than an awards show, it is a forum that connects our musicians with international buyers from Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador. "Funding of this initiative brings international buyers to our region and ensures that our musicians and agents are well-prepared to market and sell their talent to export markets."

The goal of the ECMA international export strategy is to showcase Atlantic Canada�s entertainment industry to buyers, presenters and cultural trade officers from embassies and consulates around the world, as well as offer various export training, networking and marketing opportunities for performers, publishers and managers in Atlantic Canada.

"Over the last five years, the ECMA has grown its export initiatives beyond our annual conference and now provides export education and facilitates international trade missions throughout the year � helping our member artists and companies to do business abroad," said Steve Horne, Executive Director of the East Coast Music Association. "The continued support of the federal and provincial governments is instrumental is helping to export East Coast music to the world."

The East Coast Music Association is a registered, non-profit association whose awards, festival and conference has grown from a one-day event to a four-day international gathering with a budget of approximately $1.6 million and the attendance of more than 2,500 industry representatives and performers. This year marks the 20^th anniversary of the ECMA event.

Financial assistance for the ECMA�s international export strategy is provided through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development. This federal-provincial agreement supports projects in export training and awareness, market information and intelligence and international business development to help businesses enter explore and succeed in international markets. Federal support for this project is $251,752, with the four provincial governments contributing a total of $107,893.

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