Groupe Savoie of Saint-Quentin, New Brunswick, joins trade mission to China; initiative led by Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud will follow up opportunities identified on earlier mission

Wendy Lisney

FREDERICTON, New Brunswick , October 27, 2011 (press release) – Six New Brunswick companies will embark on a trade mission to China from Oct. 29 to Nov. 5., thanks to support from the federal and provincial governments.

"Market diversification and increased trade to China are important to New Brunswick companies,” said Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud. “They are essential to growing our economy, and we must make sure New Brunswick continues to be a strong competitor in today's global market."

The group will visit Beijing and Shijiazhuang, capital city of the Province of Hebei, following up on opportunities identified during a New Brunswick mission to China earlier this year.

“Our government is committed to helping Atlantic Canadian businesses compete successfully in the international marketplace; export their products and expertise to the world; and in the process, contribute to economic growth and job creation at home," said Bernard Valcourt, minister of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and La Francophonie. "China represents a key market for New Brunswick companies and helping our Atlantic Canadian businesses expand investment and trade opportunities with one of the world's largest economies is important to our region's long-term prosperity."

The following companies are participating in the trade mission:

● Groupe Savoie, Jonathan Levesque, vice-president of marketing and development (Saint-Quentin);
● Cardwell Farms and Compost Products, James Cunningham, president (Penobsquis);
● Design Right Canada Inc., Warren Long, president and chief executive officer (Saint John);
● Triangle Kitchen Ltd., Pierre Fournier, vice-president (Dieppe);
● Maple Leaf Homes, Dennis Psiuk, manager of export development (Fredericton); and
● Moncton Flight College, Mike Tilley, chief executive officer (Dieppe).

Atlantic Canada Business Network, a trade consultant company, will provide participants with in-depth market intelligence and match New Brunswick companies with potential clients. The company, which has offices in Saint John, Beijing, Shenzhen and Shanghai, has led more than 40 trade missions to China.

"This mission is part of a strategic relationship building exercise between companies and governments from New Brunswick and China,” said Robichaud. “We will promote New Brunswick's world-class industries as they focus on entering or strengthening their exports to this very promising market."

The mission is the result of months of preparation and collaboration between the federal and provincial governments and Enterprise Chaleur.

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