This spring, a first-ever free trade agreement opened between Canada and Panama. In May 2013, Panamanian Ambassador Jorge Miranda Corona was one of the dozens of trade officials from more than 60 countries who descended on Prince Edward Island to see for themselves what the Island has to offer.

“I’m completely amazed at what I saw in terms of the processing plants, mussel and lobster facilities, aerospace companies and universities,” Corona said.  “The Prince Edward Island government along with the Canadian government are doing extremely well. Companies from Prince Edward Island can take advantage of the trade agreement. One of the main reasons I came to Prince Edward Island is to promote the benefits of the agreement.”

Innovation and Advanced Learning Minister Allen Roach was on deck for the three-day Island showcase, which highlighted traditional and non-traditional sectors for the distinguished international group. He called it an economic first.

“In terms of having an economic group like that come here, I don’t think we’ve seen that before ever on Prince Edward Island,” Roach said.  “This provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase all of our sectors, the traditional three – agriculture, fishing and tourism – and certainly all the new ones that are coming into play.”

The 2013 Economic Mission provided Island companies with an opportunity to strengthen existing trade relationships and to create new ones. During their tour of all three counties, they visited a variety of Island businesses and educational institutions.

“We, in Colombia, are looking for opportunities,” said Nicolas Lloreda, Ambassador of Colombia. “We have a free trade agreement with Canada. We are buying a lot of Canadian products, receiving a lot of Canadian investment and we are looking for more opportunities in many areas.”

The mission was a first step to strengthen ties to export markets. The visitors came away with a better appreciation of trade opportunities.

“Absolutely, we have already spoken with the Minister of Innovation and others to follow up and we would like to bring more specialized people from Colombia here so we can reach agreements on what we would like to do in the different areas,” said Ambassador Lloreda. “So, yes, this was a very productive trip.”

The economic mission is part of Prince Edward Island’s goal to expand exports to world markets.

“Things can be done on a global scale here on Prince Edward Island,” said Roach. “Island companies are capable of going to other places around the world to do business. For me, I think the big thing is to make our exports grow, which is going to be a tremendous asset in making Prince Edward Island's economy grow.”