October 22, 2014 – Moncton, New Brunswick - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
A delegation representing Atlantic Canada’s aquaculture industry is making international connections at the Aqua Sur International Aquaculture Exhibition, or AQUA SUR, the largest aquaculture exhibition in the southern hemisphere. The October 20-24 business mission to Puerto Montt, Chile, is being organized by the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) and includes representatives from Atlantic aquaculture companies, associations and universities.
During the mission, delegates will participate in the AQUA SUR 2014 International Aquaculture Exhibition; attend industry meetings, networking and demonstration events; and take part in one-on-one business meetings and site visits.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing $50,995 in the business mission, and the four Atlantic provinces are providing a combined investment of $21,855, all through the International Business Development Agreement.
This initiative supports the Government of Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP) and the Strategy for Engagement in the Americas.
Quick Facts
- The biennial Aqua Sur International Aquaculture Exhibition is the largest aquaculture exhibition in the southern hemisphere, attracting more than 1000 companies and over 19,000 visitors from more than 40 countries in 2012.
- Aquaculture is one of Atlantic Canada’s largest export sectors, providing about half of Canada’s production. The bulk of Atlantic Canada’s production value is Atlantic salmon (85%), which is also Chile’s largest aquaculture product (Statistics Canada).
- The total value of aquaculture production in Atlantic Canada has risen steadily since the 1980s reaching $344 million in 2009 and there are more than 500 aquaculture farms employing 4,000 people in our region (Gardner Pinfold, 2010).
- Seven out of 43 of Canada’s free trade agreements (FTAs) are with Latin American countries, including Chile. FTAs play a key role in levelling the playing field for Canadian businesses and opening up trade and investment opportunities.
- Trade and economic agreements have contributed to an increase of bilateral trade between Canada and the Americas of 34% from 2007 to 2013. Since 2007, Canadian direct investment in the region has also increased 58.6%.
- The IBDA is a fed/prov agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is a key component of a pan-Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.
Quotes
“Our Government’s top priority remains job creation and economic growth, and supporting trade and export in Atlantic Canada’s aquaculture industry is a key part of that priority. Through open markets, mutual prosperity and strategic partnerships, we can foster lasting relationships and economic opportunity that will benefit Canada, as well as our free-trade partners in Latin America.”
The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador has worked in close partnership with the Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association to foster the growth and development of the industry, and today aquaculture is driving economic activity in rural areas throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. The pursuit of best practices and new market opportunities are priorities for the association and for government, and so we were pleased to support this business mission, which should create gains in both areas.”
The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Associated Links
Contacts
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Jennifer Goostrey
Manager, Client Services
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-229-0295
Jennifer.goostrey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Jason Card
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
JasonCard@gov.nl.ca
