14 September 2011
London, UK
The Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie, concluded today a business mission to London, England as the head of Atlantic Canada's delegation at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEi) Exhibition.
"This mission gave me the opportunity to promote the world- class expertise of Atlantic Canada's aerospace and defence businesses to potential investors and commercial partners," said Minister Valcourt. "I have been thoroughly impressed with our presence here in London. Clearly, Atlantic Canadian companies have built a solid reputation for high- quality, innovative products. We must take advantage of this and that is why I led this delegation, to help open new doors for our companies."
"DSEi is a key event on the aerospace and defence calendar, and we are pleased that ACOA led a mission to the show for the first time," said Keith Donaldson, Director of Sales & Business Development at APEX Industries Inc. in Moncton. "Our presence at this show allows us to demonstrate our capabilities to a wide range of potential aerospace and defence industry clients from around the world, and I'm confident our presence here will lead to new business for our company."
While in London, Minister Valcourt met with Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and held an economic roundtable with UK firms. He highlighted Atlantic Canada's current and potential opportunities for investment attraction.
"I used both these opportunities to clearly indicate that Canada, and especially Atlantic Canada, offers the most competitive business costs among the G7 countries, easy access to major US and European markets, a sound banking system and a skilled and dedicated labour force, all of which make us a profitable place to do business," said Minister Valcourt.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Minister of State for ACOA and La Francophonie Bernard Valcourt today concluded a trade mission to a major UK aerospace and defence exhibition in London.
Minister Valcourt took the opportunity to promote the world- class expertise of Atlantic Canada's aerospace and defence businesses to potential investors and commercial partners. In particular, the Minister highlighted the Atlantic Canadian advantage as a region that offers the most competitive business costs among the G7 countries, easy access to major US and European markets, a sound banking system and a skilled and dedicated labour force which make it a profitable place to do business.
-30-
INFORMATION:
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of Minister Valcourt
613-790-3637
Jennifer Goostrey
Manager, Client Services
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-851-4831
Catherine MacDonald (contact for companies)
Managing Director
Aerospace and Defence Industries Association of Nova Scotia
(ADIANS)
1-902-483-5664
catherine.macdonald@adians.ca
