19 April 2010
Moncton, New Brunswick
An Atlantic Canadian delegation led by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency has returned from a successful business mission to Brazil. The delegation of companies and organizations from the region’s transportation and oil and gas sectors traveled to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from April 5-14, to seek out new business opportunities.
The mission, which falls, in part, under the Government of Canada’s “Strategy for the Americas”, was led by Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
“The Americas are vibrant, dynamic regions where opportunities abound,” said Minister Ashfield. “Our government’s support of this mission is helping to increase export opportunities in Atlantic Canada and promoting Canada in Latin America as being a strong trading nation.”
“The Atlantic Canadian delegation is returning home excited about the opportunities in Brazil and in other parts of Latin America,” said Andrew Dixon, Vice-President of Business Development and Marketing at the Port of Saint John. “We held very productive meetings and we’re coming home with many new relationships that we can build on.”
The mission included delegates from six Atlantic Canadian ports as well as nine companies from the oil and gas sector. Delegates explored business opportunities with Brazilian counterparts within their respective sectors and attended information sessions. Representatives from the participating ports also took part in the South American Intermodal Conference in São Paulo, the largest event of its kind in Latin America.
“Business missions such as these are important to the economic growth of Atlantic Canada,” said Minister Ashfield. “It is during these types of missions that connections are made that can eventually lead to profitable and long lasting business relationships.”
Trade between Canada and Brazil has grown impressively over the years, with bilateral merchandise trade between the two countries reaching $5.3 billion in 2008, an increase of 8.3% from 2007.
The mission received funding support through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
An Atlantic Canadian delegation has returned from a successful ACOA-led business mission to Brazil. The delegation of companies and organizations from the region’s transportation and oil and gas sectors traveled to Brazil from April 5-14, to forge trade relations.
The mission was led by Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Trade, on behalf of Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway.
Minister Ashfield said that the goal of the mission was to help create export opportunities for Atlantic Canada in Latin America.
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INFORMATION:
Robert Bourgeois
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-6394
robert.bourgeois@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Following is the list of the Atlantic Canadian companies that took part in the mission:
New Brunswick
Associated Manufacturing, Miramichi, NB
C-Therm Technologies Ltd., Fredericton, NB
Port of Belledune, Belledune, NB
Port of Dalhousie, Dalhousie, NB
Port of Saint John, Saint John, NB
Sancon Commissioning, Belledune, NB
Nova Scotia
Halifax Port Authority, Halifax, NS
ODIM Brooke Ocean, Dartmouth, NS
Strait of Canso Superport Corporation Limited, Mulgrave, NS
Sydney Port Corporation, Sydney, NS
Aecon Fabco, Dartmouth, NS
Newfoundland and Labrador
Atlantic Minerals Ltd., Corner Brook, NL
Pathix ASP, A Division of Vector Helicopter Services North America lnc., St. John’s, NL
Virtual Marine Technology, St. John’s, NL
Visible Innovation Inc., Pasadena, NL
