Representatives from 10 Atlantic Canadian ports have returned from the 20th Annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana – the leading event of its kind in North America – with new contacts, business leads and a higher profile in the global marketplace.
The trade mission, led by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) in collaboration with the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada, allowed delegates to demonstrate to key transportation industry stakeholders, the benefits of Atlantic Gateway for transporting goods to and from North America.
“The ports that were part of our delegation all had the opportunity to make key contacts and lay the ground work for future business with international stakeholders,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (ACOA). “As part of its Economic Action Plan, the Government of Canada will continue to support these types of trade missions.”
The delegation participated in a number of business meetings with international stakeholders and promoted the natural and competitive shipping advantages of their ports at an Atlantic Canadian networking event and on the trade show floor.
Participating ports were unanimous in lauding the mission as a valuable learning, marketing and networking experience that helped strengthen their global trade links and raise their international profile.
“It was an excellent conference as we were able to meet with the main ship owners and operators, cargo owners and freight forwarders from around the world,” said Jenna Doucet, Director of Marketing at the Port of Belledune. “Our collective presence at key events like the New Orleans conference is helping the Atlantic Gateway strengthen its place within the international transportation industry.”
The Atlantic Gateway is an integral multi-modal network of ports, railways, airports, and roads across the Atlantic region.
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Representatives from 10 Atlantic Canadian ports have returned from a trade mission to New Orleans, Louisiana with new contacts, business opportunities and a higher profile on the world stage. Members of the ACOA-led delegation took part in the 20th Annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans.
The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA said the mission allowed Atlantic Canadian delegates to lay the ground work for future business with international stakeholders.
Participating ports described the mission as a valuable learning; marketing and networking experience that helped strengthen their global trade ties and raise their international profile.
The trade mission was organized in collaboration with the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada.
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INFORMATION:
Richard Gauthier
Coordinator, Parliamentary Affairs and Media Relations
ACOA
506-851-6773
Richard.gauthier@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Following is the list of the Atlantic Canadian ports that participated in the 20th Annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition in New Orleans, Louisiana, October 13-15, 2009:
New Brunswick
Port of Bayside
Port of Belledune
Port of Dalhousie
Port of Saint John
Newfoundland and Labrador
Port of Corner Brook
Port of St. John’s
Nova Scotia
Port of Halifax
Strait of Canso Superport
Port of Sydney
Port of Yarmouth
