Export Seminar for Southwest N.S. Businesses

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT-Export Seminar for Southwest N.S. Businesses

More than 50 business operators from southwestern Nova Scotia went to export immersion classes at Université Ste-Anne from Nov. 23 to Nov. 24..

The two-day Export Rally, organized by the Department of Economic Development, gave participants practical help in identifying promising export markets, financing and international marketing. The sessions involved presentations from trade experts and a number of successful exporters from the region.

"There are some great export success stories in southwestern Nova Scotia," says Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser. "But there are lots of other companies in the area that could be doing business with the world. We've organized this event to help more companies get ready for global trade."

Elaine Thimot of Clare Organic Products Ltd. said the classes came at the right time. Her company has been exporting its organic soil and soil conditioners to Japan through another Maritime-based company since 1995.

"We're looking at expanding into New England this February and we'll have to do things on our own," said Ms. Thimot. "This Export Rally clarified many important things that we need to know, from quality certification to dealing with customs to keeping the relationship going with our new customers. I'm feeling much better prepared."

The companies enrolled in the Export Rally covered a variety of sectors, including the seafood and craft industries. The companies were recruited with the help of Université Ste-Anne.

"There will be tangible results from this trade seminar," said Ron Robichaud, director of the school's Jodrey Centre. "I have no doubt that we'll see a number of companies moving into exporting or expanding into new markets as a direct result of this session."

This is the fourth trade seminar that Economic Development has presented this year in Nova Scotia. A number of participants from the earlier sessions, held in Truro, St. Anns and New Glasgow, have since begun exporting to new markets.

Nova Scotia exports grew by 8.2 per cent last year, almost twice the increase of the previous two years combined and ahead of the national average of 5.1 per cent.

"We need this growth trend to continue," said Mr. Balser. "We'll be scheduling similar events in other areas of the province in the coming months."