“Our Government understands the significant role that trade and export activities play in strengthening the economy in Atlantic Canada,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “Trade Missions to European countries represent important opportunities for Island-based companies to position themselves to benefit from the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.”

Trade Team PEI, led by ACOA and Innovation PEI, plays a key role in planning activities and delivering programs that are designed to help small and medium-sized Island businesses effectively compete as exporters.

“The European marketplace is one of the most lucrative in the world and I’m pleased to be able to help our Island companies explore opportunities in Europe. We have some great Island businesses in a wide range of fields and I’m confident they will get a warm welcome from European buyers,” said Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning.

The trade mission to Europe is taking place from November 23 to 30, 2013 and will involve visits to the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. The mission will involve Island-based companies from multiple sectors including the seafood, value-added foods and food technology sectors. During the five-day mission, each company will participate in a series of pre-arranged business-to-business meetings to explore potential business opportunities in the European Union.

“International trade missions like this one, are important to help our company grow in foreign markets,” said Mr. Francis Morrissey, General Manager, Royal Star Foods. “Export is a key component to our business, so having the opportunity to meet face-to-face with potential clients in other markets is invaluable.”

Trade Team PEI is a partnership network of federal and provincial government agencies and departments committed to helping PEI-based trade and export-focused businesses succeed in their pursuit of new global development opportunities.

"Our company has a keen interest in forming partnerships and opening up to new markets especially in these regions,” said Mr. John Rowe, President, Island Abbey Foods. “We are looking forward to discussing potential partnering opportunities in order to continue to expand our brand on the global marketplace."