Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
March 20, 2008

Team Canada Atlantic is getting ready to do business in Chicago. More than 40 companies and organizations from across Atlantic Canada are expected to participate in the Team Canada Atlantic trade mission, scheduled for November 16-20, 2008.

Companies and organizations interested in participating in this trade mission are invited to attend a market information session to learn more about Team Canada Atlantic and the business and export opportunities in Chicago. A market information session will be held at the Ramada St. John�s in St. John�s, from 8:15 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. on April 11, 2008. Interested companies can visit www.teamcanadaatlantic.com for more information.

"The Government of Canada continues to invest in initiatives that help Atlantic Canadian exporters to expand their international markets and enhance their competitiveness," said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "Our Team Canada Atlantic trade missions help raise the profile of Atlantic Canada�s high-quality goods and services in the U.S. market and assist our efforts to build trading partnerships. Previous trade missions have resulted in total export sales of approximately $41 million for Atlantic Canadian companies."

"Exporting plays an essential role in the economy of Newfoundland and Labrador and the United States is a key market for locally produced goods and services," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The upcoming trade mission to Chicago provides local companies with the opportunity to identify new market opportunities, potential partnerships, and advance existing relationships that were established on previous trade missions."

Chicago is a natural trading partner for Atlantic Canada. The state has a large, affluent market with an economy that is almost entirely service-based. In 2006-07, Atlantic Canadian exports to Chicago totalled more than $417 million or close to two per cent of Atlantic Canada�s total exports.

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. Team Canada Atlantic is committed to strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Atlantic Canada and the United States.

-30-

Media contacts:

2008 03 20                                                      3:10 p.m.