“Our Government understands the key role trade plays in strengthening our region’s economy,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (La Francophonie). “Participating in strategic trade missions around the world will help Atlantic Canadian small and medium-sized businesses succeed in the global market place and ensure long-term prosperity and job creation in PEI.”

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, and the Province of Prince Edward Island, through Innovation PEI, is supporting the mission with a combined investment of $90,000.

“Exporting outside of PEI is critical to creating a bright economic future for our province,” said Allen Roach, Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning. “Through Trade Team PEI missions, we are developing our global brand of trade and export: forging strong partnerships and exploring potential business opportunities for our products and services.”

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 trade mission to Florida is taking place from January 20 to 25, 2013. The mission will involve 12 Island-based companies from multiple sectors including the agri-foods, seafood, manufacturing, information technology and professional services. 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 Florida region.

Trade Team PEI will also co-host a “Flavours of Prince Edward Island” reception with the Consul General of Canada, Ms. Louise Léger, and the PEI Culinary Alliance on Thursday, January 24. This reception will feature Canada’s Smartest Kitchen Chef Ted Grant and will give buyers in the Florida region an opportunity to taste Island-grown products including various seafood and produce.

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.