July 4, 2017, FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government has partnered with the other three Atlantic provinces and the federal government on the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy. The collaborative, multi-year international business development plan aims to provide regional firms with competitive intelligence and market analysis, training and skills development, and in-market engagement activities.
“New Brunswick is Canada’s most export-oriented province,” said Treasury Board President Roger Melanson, who is also minister responsible for trade policy. “By working together with the federal government, and across Atlantic Canada, we will help our companies seize opportunities to increase innovation and productivity and become more competitive on the world stage. By increasing trade, we will create new jobs here in New Brunswick.”
The federal and provincial partners will collectively invest $20 million over the next five years to support the strategy.
“Atlantic Canadian companies that are globally competitive create wealth here at home,” said International Trade Minister François-Philippe Champagne. “By exporting, they tend to be more innovative, pay higher wages and be more productive, creating more better-paying jobs that strengthen the middle-class and raise the living standards of all Canadians. Together with the four Atlantic provinces, we can strengthen local communities and grow the economy.”
The goal of the strategy is to have twice as many Atlantic Canadian companies exporting to new global markets by 2025, leading to higher export sales and more global partnerships.
MEDIA CONTACT(S):
Carolyn McCormack, communications, Opportunities NB, 506-478-3052.
Natalie Belliveau, communications, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, 506-227-0402.