NB: Trade mission to China opens door to new markets

[FREDERICTON, NB] — Capitalizing on existing trade ties, 12 New Brunswick companies recently returned from a successful trade mission to China.

The mission, coordinated by Enterprise Chaleur in Bathurst, helped the companies identify potential leads and contacts for trade and investment opportunities in the Chinese market.

Business New Brunswick Minister Victor Boudreau led the mission, meeting with senior officials in Beijing, Hebei and Shenzhen, and presenting two well-attended investment seminars on the merits of doing business in New Brunswick.

“It was my first trade mission as Minister of Business New Brunswick. I was enormously proud to represent our companies and to tell the story of what our government is doing to make New Brunswick one of the best places in the world to do business,” said Boudreau. “Everywhere we went, I told Chinese investors about our low taxes, our universal access to high-speed Internet, our plan for lower power rates through renewable energy and our investments in roads, bridges, ports and airports.”

During the mission, New Brunswick companies met with potential clients and suppliers, participated in cultural and business training, seminars and networking activities. The mission was supported by a $110,000 contribution from ACOA through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership program. The Province of New Brunswick, through Business New Brunswick, invested $99,000.

Three companies who participated in the China mission are planning return trips within the next few months, including Green Imaging Technologies Inc., Global MLX inc., and Lansbridge University.

Léon Chouinard & fils is also anticipating a follow-up visit from clients in February. ProCare Water Treatment has identified a China market representative, and organic compost manufacturer Cardwell Farms has decided to seek certification to supply the Chinese horticultural industry.

As well, the Port of Belledune made formal presentations twice during the trade mission, in Beijing and Shenzhen. The presentation was delivered to a group of Chinese business people and investors from a wide range of sectors including transportation, energy, infrastructure and shipping.

Editor’s Note
Participating companies in the China mission included:
• Belledune Port Authority, Rayburn Doucet, president and chief executive officer
• ProCare Water Treatment, Chris Gauthier, chief executive officer
• Green Imaging Technologies Inc., Mark MacKenzie, sales and marketing manager
• Global MLX inc., Mandy Aitken, president and chief executive officer
• Léon Chouinard & fils cie ltée, Gilles Chouinard, president
• Lansbridge University NB, Jane Gravill, president and chief academic officer
• Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - NB division, David Plante, vice-president
• CANLink Aviation Moncton Flight College Fredericton, Mike Tilley, chief executive officer
• Cardwell Farms Compost Products Inc., Jim Cunningham, president
• Corruven Canada Inc., Alain Bélanger, president
• Mamau Consulting, Marc Maurice, president
• Cambium Cabinetry, Pierre Fournier, president