Government of Canada : Calling Atlantic Exporters Seeking New Market Opportunities in the European Union

Proximity, diversity, size and elimination of trade tariffs make the EU an attractive option to grow Atlantic exports

January 25, 2018 - Moncton, NB - Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Helping Atlantic Canadian businesses succeed in the European Union market is a priority for the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments and is key to raising incomes, generating growth and strengthening the middle class in the region.

From January 29 to February 2, 2018, trade experts from Global Affairs Canada 's Trade Commissioner Service along with other federal and provincial trade representatives, will be visiting Atlantic provinces to outline how Canadian exporters can benefit from preferential access to the EU under the Canada European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).

Through a series of information sessions, they will outline the programs and advisory support that are available to help Atlantic businesses take the guesswork out of exporting to the EU market. They will also be joined by H.E. Peteris Ustubs, Ambassador of the European Union to Canada

This initiative is made possible by investments from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Global Affairs Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement.

Quotes

'We launched the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy to showcase the best of what Atlantic Canada has to offer, to increase the region's competitive edge and to create more jobs and greater prosperity for the middle class. These CETA information sessions will be useful for anyone interested in exporting to the European Union and contribute towards our goal of doubling the number of exporters from Atlantic Canada by 2025.'

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

'CETA represents a new chapter in the relationship between the European Union and Canada and holds great promise for Canadian businesses across the country. It lowers your business costs, gives your products and services a far greater presence in the European marketplace, and makes them more competitive. Canadian companies of all sizes and from all sectors are poised to benefit from unprecedented access to half a billion customers.'

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

'Exporting is a key factor in growing our economy. Nova Scotia has an abundance of world-class products and services and CETA is already enhancing the success of those who are exporting now. Our hope with the information sessions is that others obtain the tools they need to start exporting.'

Honourable Geoff MacLellan, Minister of Business and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia Business Inc.

'New Brunswick has one of the most export-driven economies in Canada. Our companies have much to offer the world, from seafood and lumber to advanced fabrication and consumer products. These information sessions are a great way for more New Brunswick companies to build deeper connections with in-market experts and learn about the key market opportunities and preferred access that Canada now has to the European Union, the largest and most lucrative export market in the world.'

Honourable Francine Landry, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for Opportunities NB

'CETA provides Island exporters with new opportunities to identify and engage markets in a region where we've seen tremendous growth. Europe is the Island's second biggest trading partner behind the United States and our exports to the region have nearly doubled since 2012. With the reduction in tariffs and barriers to trade through CETA we see even bigger potential for Island companies. These sessions will be invaluable to Island exporters working to enter the European market.'

Honourable Chris Palmer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism (PEI)

'I encourage our diverse producers, creators, processors and manufacturers who want to benefit from improved export opportunities to take advantage of the CETA information sessions. Enhanced coordination and collaboration by Atlantic Canada will help maximize and leverage our resources, as we aim to be more innovative, earn higher wages for our skilled workers and become even more productive. CETA has led to an unprecedented era of free trade, and this occasion is a wonderful opportunity to build on Atlantic Canada's trade links to traditional and emerging markets. This agreement not only strengthens our region's global competitiveness, it allows government to further improve our Business Innovation Agenda, and strengthen The Way Forward's vision of boosting innovation and enhancing productivity in Newfoundland and Labrador.'

Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation (NL)

Quick Facts

• Information sessions will be held in Halifax (January 29), Moncton (January 30), Charlottetown (January 31), and St. John's (February 2).

• In 2016, Atlantic Canada exported over $2.7 billion worth of merchandise to the European Union, making it the region's second largest export market after the United States.

• Atlantic exports to the European Union in 2016 included resource-based goods such as oil and gas, mining products, seafood and wood products and also aerospace parts, pharmaceuticals and navigational, measuring, medical and control instrument components. (Source: Statistics Canada - Trade Data Online)

• The EU market consists of half a billion customers, a GDP of $22 trillion and procurement opportunities worth $3 trillion. (Source: Global Affairs Canada)

• ACOA and the four Atlantic provincial governments are investing $23,400 through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement to support this initiative.

Contacts

Ronald Levesque
Senior Communications Officer
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
506-871-0721
[e-mail]

Daniel J. McNeil
Media Relations Advisor
Nova Scotia Department of Business
902-266-8267
[e-mail]

Eric Lewis
Communications Specialist
Opportunities NB
506-866-6938
[e-mail]

Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Prince Edward Island Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
[e-mail]

Eric Humber
Media Relations Manager
Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819
[e-mail]

Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
[e-mail]