FREDERICTON (CNB) – Eleven New Brunswick companies will join Economic Development Minister Paul Robichaud on a trade mission to China from March 12 to 20. The group will travel to Shanghai and Beijing.

"China offers unlimited export markets for many of our businesses,” said Robichaud. “I am proud to accompany them as they explore new opportunities to diversify their client base. "Our companies offer world-class products and services, and the provincial government is eager to support them as they seek to enter or strengthen their relationships with China."

Business New Brunswick has hired the trade consultant company Atlantic Canada Business Network Ltd. to develop business leads, provide participants with in-depth market intelligence and match New Brunswick companies with potential clients. The company, which has offices in Saint John, Beijing, and Shenzhen, has led more than 40 trade missions to China. It is also opening a new office in Shanghai next week.

The following companies are participating in the trade mission:

●    Belledune Port Authority, Rayburn Doucett, president and chief executive officer (Belledune, 506-522-1200);
●    C-Therm Technologies, Adam Harris, managing director, (Fredericton, 506-462-7203);
●    Green Imaging Technologies Inc., Mark Mackenzie, sales and marketing manager (Fredericton, 506-458-9992);
●    Industrial Rubber Co., Barry Kyle, president (Bathurst, 506-548-3325);
●    KnowCharge Inc., Robert Morrow, chief executive officer, (Fredericton, 506-474-2428);
●    Cardwell Farms Compost Products Inc., Jim Cunningham, president (Penobsquis, 506-433-4078);
●    Acadian Peat Moss, Gilles Haché, owner / general manager, (Lamèque, 506-344-2225);
●    Cavendish Farms, Vince Taddeo, vice-president, international, (Dieppe, 506-862-3355);
●    Groupe Westco, Thomas Soucy, chief executive officer, (Clair, 506-992-3112);
●    Saint John Port Authority, Jim Quinn, president and chief executive officer, (Saint John, 506-636-5377); and
●    Global MLX Inc., Mandy Aitken, president and chief executive officer, (Bathurst, 506-350-1188).

"The provincial government's partnership with the Atlantic Canada Business Network underscores its commitment to helping New Brunswick companies forge new partnerships with Chinese companies," said Robichaud. "The business network's expertise and knowledge of the Chinese market has helped several New Brunswick companies win contracts in China."

In 2010, New Brunswick's major exports to China were approximately:

●    wood pulp, 73 per cent of all exports to that country;
●    zinc ores, 15 per cent;
●    lead, six per cent; and
●    seafood, five per cent.  

"For some of the companies in the trade mission, this will be a first time venture in the China market,” said Robichaud. “Others are coming along to solidify relationships and business opportunities they have forged on previous trade missions to China."

Media Contact(s)

Marie-Josée Groulx, communications, Business New Brunswick, 506-444-3465