Premier Leads Trade Mission into Germany
Nova Scotia's initiatives in the German marketplace are paying off as Premier Russell MacLellan, along with five Nova Scotian companies, will sign contracts and agreements in Germany this week. Premier MacLellan is leading a trade and investment mission into Germany and Switzerland from July 5-10.
The five companies on the mission, including wood products, film and information technology sectors, will all be doing business in Germany.
Premier MacLellan said the mission is as much about building relationships and fostering partnerships, as it is about signing contracts and making presentations.
"Previous work in Germany by the Economic Development and Tourism Department is now resulting in deals and opportunities for Nova Scotia companies. My role will be to act as the province's chief salesman, helping to close deals and open doors for new opportunities," said Premier MacLellan.
In April, the Nova Scotia Film Development Corporation and Economic Development and Tourism led a mission of six film producers to Berlin, where a memorandum of understanding was signed with Filmboard Berlin-Brandenburg. This is the first follow-up to that mission. Premier MacLellan will further Nova Scotia's position within the European film community and will also officially launch Focus Canada, a seminar for Canadian and German film-makers.
The German marketplace is ripe for increased trade and investment with Nova Scotia, as German firms and investors are looking to North America for business expansion. Nova Scotia is positioning itself as the gateway into the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and is tapping into opportunities presented through the German market.
Robert Williams, of Interhabs, a Halifax firm, said the Germans like Canadians and they like Canadian products.
"Interhabs has been actively working the German market for the last three years, building two or three homes a year, but this mission is going to give us a big boost. We're on the edge of a major breakthrough and we're hoping this trip will bring us a contract to do 15 houses a year in Germany, said Mr. Williams. "The Germans have a need for high quality products and they believe they've found it in what Interhabs provides."
Reid Sirrs, investment and trade officer for Economic Development and Tourism said the premier's presence supports the companies and enhances their profile with potential German partners.
Robert Williams of Interhabs said the premier's participation "gives confidence to our German partners that we have the support of government."
Premier MacLellan will also be meeting with the Chambers of Commerce in Basel, Switzerland, and Offenburg, Germany.