“The aerospace and defence industry is one of Atlantic Canada’s fastest growing industries and a major driver for export growth,” said Minister MacKay. “The Government of Canada, through ACOA, is committed to helping Atlantic Canadian aerospace and defence industry firms establish valuable international contacts and successfully compete on the international stage.”

Exponaval is the meeting point for naval and maritime defence forces from Latin America and the international maritime defence and security industry. It is the largest fair of its kind in Latin America. Organizers expect that agreements for future business worth approximately US$ 500 million could be negotiated at the Exponaval trade show. More than 115 exhibiting companies will participate.

This is the first ACOA-led trade mission of Atlantic Canadian delegates to the biennial Exponaval Exhibition. ACOA’s participation in this trade mission supports the Government of Canada’s renewed engagement with the Americas.

Trade mission delegates will participate in the exhibition and benefit from pre-arranged one-on-one business meetings, business networking events, market familiarization briefings, round-table discussions with key industry leaders, and site tours.

Atlantic Canada’s growing and diversified aerospace and defence industry which employs over 10,000 skilled and experienced workers consists of a wide range of suppliers providing globally-competitive solutions and support – to both the military and commercial markets – domestically and internationally. The industry has experienced a 183% growth in export revenues since 2001 and generates annual revenues of C$1 billion.

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