Premier's Boston Trip Focused on More Exports

Premier Stephen McNeil will promote Nova Scotia exports during meetings starting today, Dec. 3, with the governor of Massachusetts and other leaders of the public and private sectors in Boston.

"Nova Scotia is a premium exporter of post-secondary education, ocean technology, and tourism. We're building an impressive information communication technology sector and we're on the cusp of major export opportunities in energy," said Premier McNeil. "This trip will demonstrate and build on business opportunities relating to those strengths."

The two-day visit, built around the Boston tree-lighting ceremony, begins with meetings focused on improving air service and better capitalizing on Boston as an entry point to U.S. markets. Massachusetts guidance counsellors will be encouraged to recommend Nova Scotia's post-secondary schools to students and the premier will meet with ocean-technology companies as well as promote Nova Scotia as a tourism and business destination. Meetings on Friday, Dec. 4, will focus on technology and energy prospects.

Among the 15 events on the schedule are meetings with:

• Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker and Matthew Beaton secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
• MassPort, the port authority in Massachusetts that owns and operates three Boston-area airports
• post-secondary guidance counsellors
• national and international ocean-technology and information communication technology companies
• the travel trade and business leaders
• energy industry representatives at an event presented by the New England-Canada Business Council and Consulate General
• representatives of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy

Premier McNeil will also meet with Nova Scotia companies participating in a trade mission in the northeastern U.S. along with the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Nova Scotia Business Inc.

"We need to aggressively increase our exports and related economic opportunities," said Premier McNeil. "I'm looking forward to productive discussions about how our regions can continue to mutually benefit from our long-standing and valued relationship."