19 December 2011
Moncton, New Brunswick
With the year ending soon, the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for ACOA and La Francophonie, highlighted today the good results for Atlantic Canadian businesses in global markets in 2011. Atlantic Canada saw growth in exports for the second year in a row, posting a more than 20 per cent increase over 2010.
“Job creation and economic growth are our priorities, and we have an ambitious trade agenda. We recognize that trade is more important than ever to our region’s long-term prosperity,” said Minister Valcourt. “This is why in 2011 alone, our Government assisted over 600 Atlantic Canadian businesses and organizations to participate in business activities that helped them enter or expand their presence in international markets.”
During the past year, the Government of Canada, through ACOA, supported more than 60 international business missions for Atlantic companies and organizations. These missions, as well as 16 international delegations that were brought to the region to meet with potential trade partners, provided Atlantic companies with unique opportunities to make the connections they needed to do business globally. The latest trade data shows a major increase in exports to newly explored and emerging markets such as Argentina, Finland and China.
“Our Government is strongly committed to developing global trade relationships that encourage growth and create jobs for Canadians. Over the coming years, we will continue to work with provincial governments and the private sector to focus efforts on helping Atlantic Canadian businesses maintain and increase their export capabilities,” explained Minister Valcourt. “Markets like Brazil, India and China hold enormous potential for bi-lateral trade with Canada and we have built the bridge for our companies to make the connections needed for future growth.”
One of the key accomplishments in 2011 that will help Atlantic companies improve their export-readiness was the renewal of the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). Announced in August, 2011, the five-year, $10 million agreement is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses explore, enter and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is the leading component of a federal/provincial pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.
Since the launch of the agreement 17 years ago, IBDA funding has helped 200 Atlantic Canadian companies begin to export. The IBDA has also helped more than 300 exporting companies define and enter new markets and has helped more than 450 others increase their sales and presence in existing markets.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
In 2011, exports from Atlantic Canada increased by more than 20 per cent, with the region showing an increase for the second year in a row. ACOA Minister Bernard Valcourt said today that the Government’s efforts to foster a dynamic trade environment are key to creating jobs and growing the economy.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, supported more than 75 international bi-lateral trade missions in 2011, with nearly 600 Atlantic Canadian businesses participating. These missions have opened up new economic opportunities with trading partners across the globe, including promising markets such as Brazil and China.
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INFORMATION:
Andrea Richer
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt
613-790-3637
Jennifer Goostrey
Client Services Manager, Communications
ACOA Head Office
506-851-4831
