7 October 2009
Moncton, New Brunswick
Representatives from 10 Atlantic Canadian ports are headed to New Orleans, Louisiana to promote Atlantic Canada as the premiere east coast entry for foreign shipments to and from North America. The trade mission to the 20th Annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition, being held from October 13 to 15, 2009, is led by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), in cooperation with the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada.
The conference and exhibition, held each year in New Orleans, is the leading event of its kind in North America. Many key industry stakeholders attend this conference to discuss strategic planning, opportunities and trends and to establish business contacts. ACOA has contributed $89,000 toward this trade mission.
"Through participation in these types of trade missions, the Government of Canada is demonstrating its commitment to our Economic Action Plan," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). "Our investment in the missions helps Atlantic Canadian companies become more competitive within global markets."
Canada's Atlantic Gateway is an integral multi-modal network of ports, railways, airports, and roads across the Atlantic region. Funds allotted by the Government of Canada have been used to build infrastructure to support Canada's system of gateways and border crossings, including the Atlantic Gateway. Atlantic Gateway-related projects made possible through this funding were designed to strengthen Atlantic Canada's world-class transportation system and position the region as a key marine corridor for international commerce.
The primary goal of the mission to Louisiana is to capture a bigger share of rising trade flows between North America and foreign markets. Research shows that changing trade patterns and global supply trends work to Atlantic Canada's advantage, owing to its proximity to markets, deep ice-free waters and transportation connections by rail, road and air.
Delegates on this trade mission will show that the Atlantic Gateway is a natural gateway to and from North America – with its geographic advantage and its modern, efficient and secure intermodal transportation system that connects to key markets in North America. During networking events and exhibiting at the trade show, as well as meeting with officials from the Port of New Orleans, mission participants will promote the benefits of moving goods through the Atlantic Gateway.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Representatives from 10 Atlantic Canadian ports are headed to New Orleans, Louisiana to attend the 20th Annual Breakbulk Transportation Conference and Exhibition. The event takes place from October 13 to 15. Members of the trade mission delegation will promote Atlantic Canada as the premiere location for foreign shipments to and from North America.
Keith Ashfield, Minister of State for ACOA added that the trade mission ties in with the Government of Canada's Economic Action Plan by helping Atlantic Canadian businesses become more competitive in global markets.
The trade mission is being led by ACOA in collaboration with the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada.
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INFORMATION:
Richard Gauthier
Coordinator, Parliamentary Affairs and Media Relations
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-6773
Richard.Gauthier@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
Following is the list of the Atlantic Canadian ports participating in the Breakbulk Transportation Conference & 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
