Atlantic Firms Set Sights on Japan and South Korea
News release
Building trade links, diversifying exports, and strengthening ties in key Asian markets
September 16, 2025 · Moncton, New Brunswick · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Atlantic Canada’s businesses are seizing new opportunities in East Asia. A multi-sector delegation from the region is in South Korea and Japan from September 14-20, driving trade and investment in two of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Supported by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island, this mission brings together 28 Atlantic Canadian firms and organizations to showcase their products and expertise, forge new partnerships, and open doors to new export markets.
In South Korea, firms are strengthening commercial relationships and exploring supply chain opportunities in one of the Indo-Pacific’s most advanced economies. In Japan, the delegation is taking part in activities in Tokyo and Osaka, highlighted by Atlantic Canada Day at Expo 2025 in Osaka, a high-profile platform to showcase the region’s strengths and attract new buyers and investment.
This mission is funded through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA) and advances the shared commitment of federal and provincial partners to grow trade and investment opportunities by helping businesses build connections in new and emerging markets.
Quotes
“Atlantic Canadian businesses have built their reputation on quality, innovation, and ingenuity. Whether it’s seafood, clean tech, or aerospace, our region punches above its weight and is excited to create new opportunities and make new partners in Japan and South Korea. This mission is about more than exports; it’s about forging relationships that will help our companies grow and diversify, while strengthening Canada’s ties across the Indo-Pacific.”
–The Honourable Sean Fraser, P.C., K.C., Member of Parliament for Central Nova, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“Japan and South Korea are already Canada’s fourth and seventh largest export markets. Nova Scotia’s seafood industry has long recognized the value of these markets—and the broader Indo-Pacific region. On this mission, companies from medical technology, bioscience, and natural resource-based manufacturing will join seafood and agrifood companies to experience these opportunities firsthand. At a time when economic growth is more vital than ever, we’re focused on what we can control: expanding into new markets, strengthening trade across Canada, and maintaining our reputation for reliability and quality.”
– The Honourable Colton LeBlanc, Nova Scotia Minister of Growth and Development
“New Brunswick’s agriculture, aquaculture, and fisheries sectors are ready to showcase the world-class products we proudly produce. Trade missions like this one strengthen our global connections, open new markets, and create lasting opportunities for our producers and exporters. By working together across Atlantic Canada, we can drive growth, strengthen our competitiveness, and secure a strong position in the fast-growing Indo-Pacific region.”
– The Honourable Pat Finnigan, New Brunswick Minister of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries
“Prince Edward Island is proud to once again bring our province's strengths to the global stage. While we are known as Canada’s Food Island, we are also a dynamic, diversified economy with businesses and innovators ready to build strategic international partnerships. Through dedicated events during this mission, such as PEI day at the Expo 2025 in Osaka, our delegation will highlight what makes PEI unique and competitive. The Island's participation in this Atlantic initiative is about more than showcasing what we produce individually and collectively; it is about creating more opportunities, strengthening relationships, and growing shared prosperity with partners in South Korea and Japan.”
– The Honourable Darlene Compton, Prince Edward Island Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
Quick facts
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The mission builds on Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which is investing nearly $2.3 billion over five years to strengthen trade, security, and partnerships in the region.
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A total of 28 Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations are participating in the mission, representing aerospace and defence, seafood and agri-food, clean technology, consumer products, education, energy, information and communication technology (ICT), bio and life sciences, and ocean technology sectors.
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Through the mission, companies are gaining access to market intelligence sessions, tailored networking opportunities, and site tours to help them expand exports and build stronger partnerships.
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Contacts
Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
mediaroom-salledesmedias@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Shawn Hirtle
Invest Nova Scotia
Government of Nova Scotia
Media@investnovascotia.ca
Michel LeBlanc
Communications, Opportunities NB
Government of New Brunswick
michel.leblanc@onbcanada.ca
Vicki Tse
Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Trade
Government of Prince Edward Island
vickitse@gov.pe.ca
Brodie Thomas
Media Relations Manager
Department of Industry, Energy and Technology
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
brodiethomas@gov.nl.ca