November 23, 2006 (12:30 EST)

No. 141

FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE CANADA HOSTS ATLANTIC BUILDING PRODUCTS EXPORT CONFERENCE

The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Honourable Mike Currie, Prince Edward Island Minister of Development and Technology, today welcomed the participation of Canadian and international business representatives in the Atlantic Canada Building Products Export Conference in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island..

“This conference is an opportunity for Canadian business to learn about international markets and look at opportunities to export their products,” said Minister Emerson. “We have representatives from the Dominican Republic, Greenland, Iceland, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, all looking to build stronger commercial ties with Canada.”

The conference is expected to generate new commercial opportunities for increasing exports to markets abroad. The event is designed to provide both new and experienced exporters with the contacts and information needed to expand their business.

“Companies in Atlantic Canada have built a vibrant building products industry that serves as an attractive source of quality products for a number of markets worldwide,” said Minister MacKay. “Today’s conference will help bring more visibility to the companies that have endeavoured to transform themselves into the innovative world-class producers they are today.”

The conference is a collaborative event organized by the Trade Commissioner Service of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, Prince Edward Island Business Development and Wood Products P.E.I.

“Exporting is a crucial component of growing a business,” said Minister Currie. “Prince Edward Island’s exporting experience has demonstrated that, by being committed to producing quality products and services, we can be competitive in the global marketplace.”

The Trade Commissioner Service is a network of more than 800 trade commissioners working in Canadian embassies, high commissions and consulates located in over 140 cities around the world. This includes 100 trade commissioners in 12 regional offices across Canada.

Trade commissioners work to promote Canada as a dynamic partner for business and help Canadian companies succeed in the global marketplace.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
http://www.international.gc.ca

Foreign Affairs Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

Nancy Johnston
Manager, Marketing and Communications
PEI Business Development Inc.
902-569-7556