Governor Arrives in Toronto for Trade Mission

Press Release

Governor Arrives in Toronto for Trade Mission

Governor John E. Baldacci arrived in Toronto today to join the 2008 Gubernatorial Trade Mission in progress. This is the fifth Gubernatorial Trade Mission under the Baldacci Administration.

"Expanding foreign investment in Maine and building international trade opportunities for Maine businesses are crucial aspects of economic development and job creation," said Governor Baldacci. "Canada is Maine's largest trading partner. It's vital that we continue efforts such as the trade mission to attract new business to Maine and increase the markets for Maine goods."

Maine businesses are finding success in expanding opportunities abroad. The last four trade missions yielded more than $16 million in projected international sales for Maine businesses.

According to the Maine International Trade Center, Canada imported approximately $900 million in goods and services from Maine in 2007. August data from the Maine International Trade Center (MITC) shows year-to-date, trade with Canada is up more than 15 percent. Maine exports generally have increased nearly 12 percent during the same time period.

The Governor said that building on that momentum is important to keeping the State competitive in the global market and helping local businesses succeed. The Maine International Trade Center organizes Gubernatorial Trade Missions. MITC provides one-on-one business appointments, in-country market research, visit preparation, market briefings and networking events as part of the trade mission.

The 2008 Gubernatorial Trade Mission participants include officials from the Bangor Region Development Alliance, the Maine Lobster Promotion Council, the Maine Composites Alliance and WahlcoMetroflex.

In addition, the Governor will be meeting with the leadership of Canadian companies with significant numbers of employees in Maine, such as TD Banknorth, which employs about 2,500 people in Maine.

This is the second major initiative undertaken this year by the Baldacci Administration to build on the economic, educational and cultural ties with Canada. In September, the Governor hosted the 32nd Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers in Bar Harbor, which strengthened cross-border cooperation on a number of issues including economic development.

Due to the current global financial crisis and its impact on the Maine economy, Governor Baldacci scaled back his own travel to Canada for the trade mission and is paying his own way. The Governor issued a curtailment order on Wednesday. He is preparing to submit to the Legislature a supplemental budget request in December, and is preparing his biennial budget proposal due in January.

The trade mission began on Sunday, Nov. 16, in Vancouver, and ends Friday, Nov. 21.

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