Trade Delegation Heads to Caribbean

A delegation of Nova Scotia entrepreneurs and senior government officials is heading to Barbados next week for a major environmental conference.

The delegation, led by Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash, is also supported by the Nova Scotia Office of Economic Development and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

"This is an important opportunity to continue our export growth in the environmental sector," said Mr. Morash. "Nova Scotia has a longstanding special relationship with the Caribbean nations and we have a great deal to offer in the field of environmental management.

"Our presence will send a strong message to our Caribbean partners about the value we place on this relationship."

"The importance of international trade to the long-term prosperity is undeniable," said Member of Parliament Mike Savage, on behalf of ACOA Minister Joseph McGuire. "That's why the government of Canada places such a heavy emphasis on improving this region's export capabilities, through missions such as this one to the Caribbean."

The 14th annual Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association Conference and Exhibition will be held from Oct. 10 to Oct. 15 in Bridgetown, Barbados.

Six companies as well as the Nova Scotia Environmental Industries Association will attend the event.

They will be marketing a variety of services including water and wastewater treatment services, coastal zone management, climate change adaptation, services to the offshore gas and oil sector.

Nova Scotia's 350 environmental companies do $28 million worth of business in other countries every year.

The province of Nova Scotia is contributing $24,000 to the mission and ACOA is contributing $13,000.