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New Council on International Trade Unveils Members, New Strategic Direction for Government, Private Sector: Bjornson

Manitoba’s Council on International Trade, established earlier this year, today unveiled its membership and launched a new co-ordinated strategy between government and the private sector to increase international trade in the province, Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson and Dave Angus, president and CEO, Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, have announced.

The new Council on International Trade was given the task of developing a strategic plan that would focus the efforts of the Manitoba government and the private sector to increase domestic and international exports, imports and investment.

“Today, trade is truly a global business and the need for all sectors of the Manitoba economy to be strategic is critical,” said Bjornson.  “This new trade strategy lays the foundation for clear trade objectives and initiatives that will lead to higher awareness of the province internationally, stronger partnerships in strategic markets and increased trade opportunities for Manitoba companies.”

The new council will also explore opportunities for its members to work together on initiatives and identify barriers to increasing the number of active exporters in Manitoba, with a focus on small to medium-sized enterprises.  The council will develop common messaging and materials to be used in their member’s marketing activities, said Bjornson.

“The council has a five-year vision intended to boost the international trade mindset in Manitoba,” said Angus.  “We also envision an effective network of collaborative public and private relationships that enhance exports and trade.”

The new strategy builds on Manitoba’s unique strengths to create a collaborative and focused trade strategy, said  Bjornson.  The strategy highlights the need to increase inter-provincial and international trade and to boost the trade capabilities of small and medium-sized companies.

The minister noted the province is also working with the private sector to pursue the establishment of a World Trade Centre, which would provide access to the association’s global network of 323 locations in 96 countries.In addition, the province continues to work in collaboration with L’Agence Nationale et Internationale du Manitoba and the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce to host Centrallia 2012, a global business forum running from Oct. 10 to 12, 2012. 

The trade strategy is available on-line and can be accessed in English at: www.gov.mb.ca/trade/cit_trade_strategy.pdf and in French at: www.gov.mb.ca/trade/cit_trade_strategy.fr.pdf. 

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