Moncton, New Brunswick
Representatives from 11 Atlantic Canadian ports will take part in a key business mission to the 21st Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition, October 12 to 14, 2010 in Houston, Texas, thanks to a federal investment. The mission is led by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), in cooperation with the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada (IMPAC).
"Our government believes that Atlantic Canada's port system has the potential to be a tremendous economic generator for the region and the Canadian economy," said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. "By supporting this business mission, we are helping to position Atlantic Canada for future international trade and economic growth."
This conference provides delegates with an opportunity to grow their relationships with representatives from the international breakbulk and cargo sectors by promoting Atlantic Canada's modern, efficient and secure intermodal transportation assets. The participation of the Atlantic Canadian ports also helps raise awareness about the advantages of the Atlantic Gateway for connecting to both established and emerging international markets and for moving products into and out of North America.
"This annual event provides the opportunity for our members to meet with industry stakeholders from around the world, discuss business opportunities and learn about new trends in our business," said Dennis Thibodeau, President of the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada (IMPAC). "It is an important conference and exhibition and I am happy that we are sending a strong delegation from Atlantic Canada again this year."
This initiative builds upon the previous participation of Atlantic ports in breakbulk conferences held in Europe and in New Orleans (2009). The strong representation of so many of the region's ports at this year's conference demonstrates the value they place on this event for promoting their services and growing new business.
The Breakbulk Americas Conference and Exhibition is the leading event of its kind in North America. Key industry stakeholders attend this conference to plan, to discuss opportunities and trends, and to grow their business connections.
A total of $91,000 in funding for this business mission is being provided through ACOA's Business Development Program.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Representatives from 11 Atlantic Canadian ports are headed to Houston, Texas to attend the 21st Breakbulk Americas Transportation Conference & Exhibition, being held from October 12 to 14, 2010. The delegates will promote Atlantic Canada as a key location for foreign shipments to and from North America.
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield said that this mission is a demonstration of the government's commitment to the economic development of Atlantic Canada by positioning the region for future international trade and economic growth.
The Government of Canada is investing $91,000 for this business mission which is led by ACOA and the Independent Marine Ports Association of Canada (IMPAC).
-30-
Robert Bourgeois
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-6394
Below is the list of the Atlantic Canadian ports taking part in the mission:
Nova Scotia
- Port of Halifax
- Port of Sheet Harbour
- Strait of Canso Superport
- Port of Sydney
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
Prince Edward Island
