Nova Scotia Companies Seek Growth at Ocean Tech Conference
Six companies from Nova Scotia's emerging ocean technology industry are connecting with opportunities in Asia at the Oceanology International China 2014 conference in Shanghai.
Premier Stephen McNeil led Nova Scotia's trade delegation at the conference today, Sept. 4, as part of a Canadian pavilion at the event.
"Nova Scotia businesses active in ocean technology have a lot to offer China's growing marine and offshore industries," said Premier McNeil. "I'm pleased to provide government's support to them as they pursue growth opportunities in this important market that can lead to jobs and prosperity for Nova Scotians."
Nova Scotia is home to 200 ocean technology companies and 60 high-technology innovators.
"Ocean technology presents Nova Scotia businesses with a tremendous opportunity to expand through trade with overseas markets like China," said Premier McNeil. "Many of our companies are already creating some of the industry's most sophisticated products and services. By making connections and building partnerships, we can help our businesses grow, and drive our economy forward."
Nova Scotia's delegation includes companies involved in communications and data collection, navigation equipment, satellite and ocean sensors, and servicing offshore exploration businesses.
Nova Scotia participants are:
- GeoSpectrum Technologies Inc. of Dartmouth
- Hawboldt Industries Ltd. of Chester
- JouBeh Technologies of Dartmouth
- Metocean Data Systems of Dartmouth
- Satlantic of Halifax
- Xeos Technologies Inc. of Dartmouth
"The ocean research side of our business has experienced a great deal of growth over the past five years," said Paul Phillips, general sales manager for Hawboldt Industries. "From the small rural community of Chester we are delivering complex solutions to the world, and adding to our workforce which now stands at 58.
"The Chinese market has played a key role in our growth with five significant orders as China continues to renew and expand its fleet of research vessels. The Oceanology International China show in Shanghai is an ideal way to stay in contact with our customer base here, and to increase our presence in this market."
China is the world's second-largest economy and Nova Scotia's second-largest trading partner, after the United States. In 2013, the province exported nearly $200 million in merchandise to the Chinese market in areas as diverse as forestry, seafood, biotechnology, educational services, and information and communication technologies.
For more information about Oceanology International China 2014, visit www.oceanologyinternational.com .
The premier's stop at Oceanology International China 2014 is part of his visit to southeast Asia to enhance trade links and investment opportunities in Nova Scotia.