Trade Mission Promotes Atlantic Gateway to India

The province will take another step towards securing more of India's growing container-ship traffic during a trade mission to that country next week.

Angus MacIsaac, Minister of Transportation and Public Works, will join representatives from the Halifax Port Authority and the Halifax Gateway Council on the trade mission.

Mr. MacIsaac said the province will focus on building cultural ties and business relationships with government and industry leaders in India.

"This is an important opportunity for the province to promote Nova Scotia as a gateway to North America to influential business and government leaders in one of the world's fastest-growing markets," said Mr. MacIsaac. "We'll be focusing on Nova Scotia's proximity to markets and its deep, ice-free ports and excellent rail, truck, marine and air connections."

Highlights of the trade mission include:

• signing of a memorandum of understanding between the Port of Halifax and the Port of Chennai;
• meeting in New Delhi with the Indian Council of Industry and the Federation of Indian Export Organizations;
• attending the Noida Expormart to meet with leading shippers, shipping lines and freight forwarders;
• touring private and public ports in Mumbai, including a visit to the port training centre and crane simulator;
• meeting with Tata, a leading Indian auto parts manufacturer.

The delegation will leave for India on Oct. 8 and return Oct. 19.