Acadians Promote Nova Scotia Culture and Business Opportunities in France

Seventeen Acadian and francophone Nova Scotians will explore economic development, arts and culture and tourism opportunities between Atlantic Canada and France.

The province is partnering with the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse to send a delegation to take part in Rencontres France-Acadie 2013, an economic and cultural trade mission in Nantes, France, March 18-24.

"Strengthening the cultural link between Acadie and France will help generate interest in our province, foster new partnerships and increase tourism," said Acadian Affairs Minister David Wilson." The trade mission opens a number of possibilities for Nova Scotia's Acadian and francophone community to build relationships and create more business opportunities for people in the province."

The Canadian delegation at the trade mission will take part in business to business meetings, promote Acadian and Atlantic Canadian products and meet with French officials to learn about conducting business in France and Europe.

"It is good for businesses outside the country to see what Acadie has to offer." said Stéphane Sogne, engineering director, SkySquirrel Technologies, Cap le Moine, Inverness Co. "For my business, the trade mission is an opportunity to talk about the uses of composite materials with companies in France. These meetings could be very profitable for companies here in the province."

The economic development part of the trade mission will focus on several key topics including shipbuilding, forestry, renewable energy and the creative sector. A similar event will take place in 2014 with delegates from France visiting Atlantic Canada.

"The delegation from Acadie de la Nouvelle-Écosse is eager to participate in this important event and to interact with our French colleagues around the components of economic development, tourism and culture," said Julie Oliver, executive director of the the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse. "This is an opportunity to create lasting business knowledge in our respective industries."

Follow Nova Scotia's involvement at the trade mission with news and updates in French on Twitter @gouvNE and on Flickr at flickr.com/photos/rfa2013/.