Premier to Participate in Trade Meetings

Premier John Hamm will join a delegation of Nova Scotia business leaders for a trade and business development program in Boston and Washington next week, Dec. 3 to 8.

The multi-sector delegation will include representatives from 19 companies, all of whom are interested in increasing their trade activities with U.S. businesses.

This program differs from trade missions: it has been expanded to include meetings between members of the Nova Scotia delegation and American consulate staff, financiers and government officials as well as American companies. The program aims to increase awareness of Nova Scotia products and services and to identify opportunities for business partnerships.

"In our new economic growth strategy, we made a commitment to help potential and current exporters identify more opportunities for trade," said the premier. "This program is a means for us to do just that."

Economic Development Minister Gordon Balser will also participate in the trade and development meetings.

"By collaborating with our local and international partners, we can increase awareness of the quality products and services Nova Scotia has to offer the world," said Mr. Balser.

"Our company has grown significantly in Atlantic Canada and we see these meetings as an opportunity to expand our markets into the U.S. northeast," said Sandy Carlos, president of Eastech Advanced Development. "We intend to make contact with companies and organizations interested in forming solid business relationships with us."

Both Boston and Washington are key markets for Nova Scotia's businesses.

Premier Hamm will arrive in Boston on Dec. 2 to participate in the city's annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony. Each year, the Nova Scotia donates a tree to the city in recognition of its aid following the Halifax explosion, in 1917.