Government of Canada and four Atlantic Provinces invest in business mission to Asia's largest seafood show (NS version)

News Release

Atlantic Canada showcasing its world-class seafood products at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo

November 5, 2014 – Halifax, NS

Thirty Atlantic Canadian seafood companies and organizations will showcase their world-class seafood products and services at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo 2014 in Qingdao, China. The international expo, from November 5 to 7, is the largest seafood show in China and the second largest in the world.

This mission provides participating Atlantic Canadian delegates the opportunity to establish valuable international contacts and exchange information with their Chinese counterparts. Atlantic delegates to the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo will gain access to the world’s largest and fastest growing seafood market by exhibiting under the Canadian pavilion, taking part in business-to-business meetings, and networking, demonstration and chef events.

China is a key market for the Atlantic seafood industry, not only because of its high demand for quality seafood products, but also for its significant potential to help Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to reach new customers and diversify their markets.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing $93,088 in this mission and the four Atlantic Provinces are providing a combined investment of $31,912, all through the International Business Development Agreement (IBDA). This initiative supports the Government of Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP) investing in opportunities for Atlantic Canadian companies to improve their chances of accessing and succeeding in international markets. This mission is being organized by the Prince Edward Island Seafood Processors Association.

Quick Facts:

Now in its 19^th year, the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo is expecting to attract over 1100 companies and 25,000 visitors from over 100 countries this year.
The seafood, fisheries and aquaculture industry contributes over $1.5 billion to the Atlantic Canadian economy and employs nearly 26,000 people (Statistics Canada). The industry also continues to be a significant economic driver for many rural areas in the region.
In 2013, Canada exported $4.4 billion worth of fish and seafood products. The Atlantic region accounts for more than 70 per cent of Canada’s total fish and seafood exports at nearly $3.1 billion.
In 2013, 63 per cent of the region’s fish and seafood exports were destined to the US, while 9 per cent went to China (Industry Canada, Trade Data Online).
The IBDA is a federal/provincial 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:

“Canada is respected around the world for how our country weathered one of the worst economic crises since the Great Depression, and we must continue to focus on our priorities of creating jobs and securing economic growth. That’s why our Government is pleased to support this business mission to the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo. Not only will this mission showcase Atlantic Canada’s world-renowned seafood products and services, it will also help to further strengthen our trade relationships with China, a country that holds tremendous potential for Atlantic Canadian companies.”

- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“Seafood exports are a major contributor to Nova Scotia’s economy and promoting access to markets like China for our companies is an important way to continue growing the value of the industry. Having a presence at this event ensures Nova Scotia seafood is on the menu in a growing market.”

- The Honourable Keith Colwell, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Nova Scotia.

“This show is extremely important to our business because a large majority of our exports is to Asia. This is our first time at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, and we are at a point where we need to know if the market is strong and steady enough to receive additional production of existing products to grow our business.”

- Jules LeBlanc, Chief Operating Officer, Ocean Leader Fisheries Ltd, Lower Wedgeport, NS.

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