FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Susan Holt will lead a New Brunswick delegation to Cambodia and South Korea Nov. 12-20 to strengthen international relationships, promote New Brunswick businesses and explore opportunities to grow trade and investment from new markets.
The mission includes participation in the 20th Summit of La Francophonie in Cambodia, Nov. 15-16, followed by meetings with government officials, trade commissioners and business leaders in South Korea.
“This mission is about strengthening New Brunswick’s relationships around the world and creating new opportunities here at home,” said Holt. “At the Summit of La Francophonie, we’ll highlight how our bilingualism connects us to people, markets and opportunities around the world. In South Korea, we’ll be working alongside New Brunswick businesses to build partnerships, explore new markets and bring more investment and good-paying jobs home.”
Holt will be joined at the summit by Public Safety Minister Robert Gauvin, who is also minister responsible for La Francophonie. New Brunswick is a member of the International Organisation of La Francophonie, a network of countries and governments that share a commitment to the French language and co-operation. Partner Seafood, Aynils Tech, Tool-Go, Computech, Audacia Communication, Groupe Services Apogée and the Conseil économique du Nouveau Brunswick will join the mission. Representatives from the Université de Moncton and Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick will be part of the summit delegation.
“Bilingualism is one of New Brunswick’s greatest strengths. It is part of who we are, and it creates real opportunities for our businesses and our communities,” said Gauvin. “Our two official languages help us build relationships, attract investment and reach more markets around the world. Through La Francophonie, we can turn those connections into new opportunities for businesses and benefits for people across our province. That is why it’s so important for New Brunswick to be present, engaged and making the most of this advantage.”
Membership in the organization provides an opportunity to strengthen relationships with francophone partners, showcase New Brunswick’s bilingual identity and build connections that can support trade, investment and economic growth.
“In New Brunswick, we’re helping francophone communities and cultural organizations transition to a digital environment that’s simpler, more resilient and more responsible,” said Aynils founder Séraphin Vandegar. “At the Phnom Penh summit, we’ll be showcasing Sylvéa and La Bibli – a semifinalist in the FrancoTech competition – to demonstrate that French-language technology, developed right here, meets the needs of the entire Francophonie.”
In South Korea, Holt will meet with government officials and companies to explore opportunities for partnership in energy and nuclear technology. Meetings will include those with SK On, SK Innovation E&S, Doosan Enerbility, Kolon Industries and Hyundai Engineering.
“New Brunswick is the Maritimes’ energy hub, and we have the expertise and resources to build strong partnerships with countries like South Korea,” said Holt. “We’re looking at opportunities to work together in areas like nuclear energy and hydrogen, share expertise and attract investment that can create good jobs here at home. These relationships are also an important part of our work to open new markets for New Brunswick businesses.”
The premier will also meet with companies involved in shipping, defence logistics and critical minerals, including Hyundai Glovis and KOMIR. New Brunswick’s two deepwater ports provide connections to international markets; building stronger relationships with companies in South Korea could grow those connections, strengthen supply chains and create more opportunities for New Brunswick businesses to reach customers around the world.
Opportunities NB, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, will lead the delegation of New Brunswick companies participating in the South Korea portion of the mission.
Other New Brunswick businesses joining the delegation include Port Saint John, DP World, Moltex Energy, JMN, Cooke Aquaculture, Crosby Foods, ThermTest and Ocean Blue Fisheries.
“Port Saint John is focused on improving infrastructure and working with our private sector partners to play a key role in the federal government’s goal of doubling non-United States exports,” said Craig Bell Estabrooks, president and CEO of Port Saint John. “Port Saint John is uniquely positioned to get Canadian goods to the world with two class-one rail partners and a world-class terminal operator. We look forward to marketing this value proposition with our premier and New Brunswick businesses as we look to diversify trade with countries like South Korea.”
Media Contact(s)
Corporate communications, Executive Council Office, media-medias@gnb.ca.
Jeremy Trevors, communications, La Francophonie, jeremy.trevors@gnb.ca.
Jason Hoyt, communications, Opportunities NB, jason.hoyt@gnb.ca.
