3 December 2010
Regarded as one of the region's leading defence exhibitions, EXPONAVAL 2010 attracted more than 20,000 visitors from around the world with delegations from more than 60 countries in attendance and more than 150 companies displaying their products and promoting their services. Organizers expected to surpass the US$600 million in business conducted at the event in 2008.
During the business mission, Minister Ashfield and the Atlantic Canadian delegation met with industry leaders, government officials and leading defence and naval stakeholders from around the world. They participated in an Atlantic Canada-hosted reception, roundtable discussions with industry specialists, facilities tours, market familiarization briefings and business-to-business meetings. Their participation was designed to showcase Atlantic Canadian quality goods and services, gain knowledge about the Latin American industry, while making connections with major buyers in order to pursue sales and build greater commercial relations.
"This has been a great opportunity to meet with potential clients and demonstrate our capabilities," said Alejandro Gerones, Account Manager for software developer CARIS. "EXPONAVAL provides us with increased access to the Latin American market and the contract we recently signed with the Panama Canal Authority shows that Canadian companies can succeed in Latin American."
International trade is a key driver of Atlantic Canada's economy. Guided by the Global Commerce Strategy, the Government of Canada is committed to building global partnerships that will lead to new jobs, new opportunities and stronger economies for Canadians. In 2009, two-way merchandise trade between Atlantic Canada and Latin America totalled almost $2.4 billion.
"By participating in this international trade show, we exposed Atlantic companies to many new export opportunities, in particular with Latin American defence and naval industry leaders," added Minister Ashfield. "This mission underscores once again the importance of our Government's commitment to fostering strong trade and export relationships with the rest of the world."
Atlantic Canada's participation in EXPONAVAL 2010 was the result of collaboration between ACOA and the World Trade Centre-Atlantic Canada. The Government of Canada contributed $160,000 toward the mission under ACOA's Business Development Program.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
ACOA Minister Keith Ashfield successfully led a delegation of ten defence contractors and suppliers to EXPONAVAL 2010. The biennial event is Latin America's largest international showcases for the naval defence industry.
Minister Ashfield said the business mission will help Atlantic Canadian defence industry firms establish valuable international contacts and successfully compete on the global stage.
International trade is a key driver of Atlantic Canada's economy. In 2009, two-way merchandise trade between Atlantic Canada and Latin America totalled almost $2.4 billion.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, invested $160,000 toward this mission.
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INFORMATION: Robert Bourgeois Senior Communications Officer Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 506-851-6394
MEDIA BACKGROUNDER
The following Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations participated in the business mission to EXPONAVAL 2010 in Valparaiso, Chile, from November 30 to December 3, 2010.
New Brunswick:
Newfoundland and Labrador:
- Virtual Marine Technology (St. John's)
- Compusult (Mount Pearl)
Nova Scotia:
- ULTRA Electronics Maritime Systems (Dartmouth)
- JASCO Research (Halifax)
- Rosbourough Boats (Beechville)
- Tristar (Yarmouth)
- Metocean (Dartmouth)
- Martec (Halifax)
- L3 Communications (Enfield)
Other representatives:
- The Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia (ADIANS)
- Nova Scotia Business Inc. (Government of NS - Halifax)
View photo gallery and updates here:http://www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca
