A delegation of more than 25 businesses and organizations from Atlantic Canada’s seafood, aquaculture and fisheries industry will attend the 2011 International Boston Seafood Show (IBSS), North America’s largest seafood exhibition. The annual industry trade show, to be held from March 20-22 in Boston, Massachusetts, attracts top-tier buyers and sellers of seafood and seafood products from over 130 countries.

“By investing in this mission, our Government is strengthening an industry that creates jobs for Atlantic Canadians,” said the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “Over 45 per cent of Atlantic Canada’s seafood exports are to New England, making this a key market for Atlantic Canadian companies looking to expand their exports. Our investment in this mission demonstrates that we are taking strong action to help grow the economy.”

“The Province of Prince Edward Island is working with Islanders from our traditional industries like fishing to build a strong foundation as we move forward,” said the Honourable Allan Campbell, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “Through our actions we are helping fishermen increase their export opportunities. The strong representation from Prince Edward Island’s fishing industry shows that this is where our industry wants to be as well.”

During the mission, delegates, including representatives from fisheries, seafood and aquaculture companies and organizations from across Atlantic Canada, will interact with key industry specialists, participate in various marketing and networking events, and meet with international seafood buyers from around the globe. While in Boston, the delegates will join together under the Atlantic Canada pavilion to showcase their high-quality seafood products and services. Past missions have been successful for Atlantic Canadian companies – resulting in valuable international contacts, strategic partnerships, and short and long-term sales.

The International Boston Seafood Show is North America’s largest seafood event, featuring more than 800 exhibitors, and offering a vast array of seafood, seafood products, services and equipment from all over the world. Over 16,000 potential buyers attend the three-day event. Attendance at this event will provide Atlantic delegates with increased opportunities for new market leads and diversification, as well as increased exposure for participating companies to buyers from around the world.

Supporting the participation of an Atlantic Canadian delegation is part of the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic provincial governments’ ongoing commitment to stimulate the economy and create jobs by helping Atlantic Canadian businesses grow and compete in international markets.

Funding of $150,000 for the mission is being provided through the Canada/Atlantic Provinces Agreement on International Business Development (IBDA). The mission is being led by the Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada. It is designed to help Atlantic Canadian businesses enter, explore and succeed in international markets. The IBDA is a key component of a pan- Atlantic effort to foster business relations, attract foreign investment and nurture technological co-operation.

BACKGROUNDER

Following is the list of the Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations participating in the 2011 International Boston Seafood Show:

Lobster Council of Canada

Prince Edward Island: Innovation PEI, Atlantic Shellfish Products Ltd., BJ Trading & Marketing, Confederation Cove, Minigoo Fisheries, Ocean Choice International, PEI Mussel King and Royal Star Foods Ltd.

Nova Scotia: Nova Scotia Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, Bluenose Seafood Inc., Clearwater Seafoods Limited Partnership, Davis Strait Fisheries Ltd., Fisher King Seafoods Ltd., Louisbourg Seafoods Ltd., St. Mary's River Smokehouses and United Trans Ltd.

New Brunswick: Department of Agriculture, Aquaculture and Fisheries, Cuisine Industrielle Pro-Mer Inc., Gourmet Chef Packers Ltd., Partner Seafood Inc., True North Salmon Company Ltd. and VIP Seafood.

Newfoundland and Labrador: Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture (Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood), Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, Ocean Choice International, Quinlan Brothers Ltd. and Whitecap Seafoods.