Atlantic Canada showcasing its world-class seafood products at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo

Thirty Atlantic Canadian seafood companies and organizations will showcase their world-class seafood products and services at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo 2014 in Qingdao, China. The international expo, from November 5 to 7, is the largest seafood show in China and the second largest in the world.

This mission provides participating Atlantic Canadian delegates the opportunity to establish valuable international contacts and exchange information with their Chinese counterparts. Atlantic delegates to the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo will gain access to the world’s largest and fastest growing seafood market by exhibiting under the Canadian pavilion, taking part in business-to-business meetings, and networking, demonstration and chef events.

China is a key market for the Atlantic seafood industry, not only because of its high demand for quality seafood products, but also for its significant potential to help Atlantic Canadian seafood companies to reach new customers and diversify their markets.

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is investing $93,088 in this mission and the four Atlantic Provinces are providing a combined investment of $31,912, all through the International Business Development Agreement (IBDA). This initiative supports the Government of Canada’s Global Markets Action Plan (GMAP) investing in opportunities for Atlantic Canadian companies to improve their chances of accessing and succeeding in international markets. This mission is being organized by the Prince Edward Island Seafood Processors Association.

Quick Facts:

• Now in its 19th year, the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo is expecting to attract over 1,100 companies and 25,000 visitors from over 100 countries this year.

• The seafood, fisheries and aquaculture industry contributes over $1.5 billion to the Atlantic Canadian economy and employs nearly 26,000 people (Statistics Canada). The industry also continues to be a significant economic driver for many rural areas in the region.

• In 2013, Canada exported $4.4 billion worth of fish and seafood products. The Atlantic region accounts for more than 70 per cent of Canada’s total fish and seafood exports at nearly $3.1 billion.

• In 2013, 63 per cent of the region’s fish and seafood exports were destined to the US, while 9 per cent went to China (Industry Canada, Trade Data Online).

• The IBDA is a federal/provincial agreement between the Government of Canada (ACOA, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada, and Industry Canada) and the four provincial governments in Atlantic Canada and 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.

Quotes:

“Canada is respected around the world for how our country weathered one of the worst economic crises since the Great Depression, and we must continue to focus on our priorities of creating jobs and securing economic growth. That’s why our Government is pleased to support this business mission to the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo. Not only will this mission showcase Atlantic Canada’s world-renowned seafood products and services, it will also help to further strengthen our trade relationships with China, a country that holds tremendous potential for Atlantic Canadian companies.”

- The Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)

“China is the world’s largest marketplace and is growing rapidly as a consumer of our fresh Island seafood. Our seafood producers offer products that can compete with anything in the world in terms of quality, sustainability and flavour. Our government is confident that Island seafood can find willing buyers in the Chinese market.”

- The Honourable Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning, Prince Edward Island

“Participation in a major seafood show like Qingdao gives the PEI Fishermen’s Association direct exposure to the international seafood scene in China. It is critical for organizations like ours to keep abreast of new developments in the fishery and the marketplace.”

- Craig Avery, President, Prince Edward Island Fishermen's Association

Associated Links:

• China Fisheries and Seafood Expo

• PEI Seafood Processors Association (PEISPA)

• International Business Development Agreement (IBDA) 2014 Fact Sheet

BACKGROUNDER

Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations attending the 2014 China Fisheries and Seafood Expo as part of the Atlantic delegation:

Prince Edward Island

• PEI Mussel King Inc., Morell

• PEI Fisherman’s Association, Charlottetown

• Atlantic Aqua Farms Inc., Vernon Bridge

• PEI Seafood Processors Association, Stratford

• Royal Star Foods, Tignish

Newfoundland & Labrador

• Ocean Choice International, St. John’s

• Whitecap International Seafood Exporters, St. John’s

• Bay Roberts Seafoods, Coley’s Point South (Bay Roberts)

• Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, St. John’s

• Badger Bay Mussel Farms, Triton

• Newfound Resources, St. John’s

• Harbour Grace Shrimp Company, Harbour Grace

• Fogo Island Co-op, Joe Batt’s Arm

• Green Seafoods, Winterton

New Brunswick

• Cooke Aquaculture Ltd, Black’s Harbour

• Moncton Fish Market, Moncton

• Partner Seafood Inc., Shediac

• Gourmet Chef Packers Ltd., Shediac

• Captain Dan’s Inc., Dieppe

• Les Pêcheries de Chez-Nous Ltée., Tracadie-Sheila

• Bolero Shellfish Processing Inc., Saint-Simon

• La Maison Beausoleil Inc., Neguac

Nova Scotia

• I. Deveau Fisheries Limited, Barrington Passage

• Ocean Leader Fisheries Limited, Lower Wedgeport

• Fisher King Seafoods Limited, Halifax

• Gidney Fisheries Limited, Centreville

• United Trans Limited, Halifax

• Clearwater Seafoods Limited, Bedford

• Golden Alliance Canada Inc., Dartmouth

• Ships Lobster Pound Limited, Lower Woods Harbour