Our region has a rich history of success in the business of natural resources. But in this era of economic diversity, Atlantic Canada is blazing new trails with the same drive and determination that made the region a leader in their traditional sectors. Emerging areas such as e-business, and information and communications technologies have developed with the same solid infrastructure and commitment to innovation that keep traditional sectors like fisheries and agri-food on the cutting edge.

Agri-food
We are home to the world's largest producer of frozen french fries, the wild blueberry capital of the world and the home of the world's first candy bar. The sector has a growing commitment to developing value-added products to maintain a competitive edge.

Biotechnology
The global economy is realizing the importance of biotechnological solutions and Atlantic Canadians are on the forefront of this trend. Bio-technological innovation has spurred growth and revitalization in such key industries as aquaculture, forestry, fisheries, agriculture, health care and environmental management.

Business and Professional Services
Atlantic Canada boasts more than 7 200 firms in the business and professional services sector, answering current and emerging needs. Services range from marketing, engineering, and management, to financial, scientific, technical and legal.

Construction
Our construction industry has been growing strongly in recent years. Construction GDP was more than $3 billion in 2001 and is projected to rise to $3.7 billion by 2006 with a number of major construction projects slated for Atlantic Canada.

E-Business
We're emerging as a major player in the area of e-business. With leading edge R&D;, an excellent pool of high-tech graduates, and the most competitive business costs among G-7 countries, Atlantic Canada offers the best business location for e-business applications development, testing and delivery.

Energy
The energy sector is one of our most powerful growth engines. Electricity is one of the largest exports and the region now boasts North America's fastest growing offshore oil and gas sector. In addition, Atlantic Canada is home to a world-class research and development infrastructure supporting the industry's growth.

Fisheries and Aquaculture
Our fisheries and aquaculture industry continues to be a major engine of the region's economy. The region accounts for the vast majority of Canada's worldwide exports of harvested and processed groundfish, shellfish, and pelagic products.

Information and Communications Technologies
Our ICT sector employs nearly 40 000 people and generates some $4-to-5 billion in annual revenue. This industry has exhibited strong growth in recent years led by the shared services and contact centre industry, as well as software development and R&D; services.

Ocean Technologies
Atlantic Canada-based activity represents almost half of Canada's entire ocean technologies sector with a wide range of capabilities: ocean mapping and charting, database development, data management and dissemination, electronic charts, geophysical surveys, deep diving and training, and product management. There are currently about 300 Atlantic Canadian companies active in the sector, generating nearly $2 billion in industry revenues.