New York Trade Mission

May 7, 2014

PREMIER SELINGER LEADS NEW YORK TRADE MISSION

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Manitoba Business Leaders Join Provincial Government to Expand Opportunities, Grow Economy, Create Jobs: Premier Selinger

NEW YORK—Premier Selinger is here this week to meet with business leaders and independent economic forecasting agencies to highlight the advantages of investing in Manitoba and promote the province as a travel destination. 

The premier, who recently met with newly appointed United States Ambassador Bruce Heyman, emphasized the importance of Manitoba’s economic ties with the United States.

“We must stay focused on steady economic growth and job creation as North America continues its slow recovery from recession,” said Premier Selinger.  “Strengthening our relationship with our largest international trading partner will mean more good jobs for Manitoba families and more opportunities for Manitoba businesses.”

The United States is Manitoba’s largest international trading partner with $8.4 billion in U.S. exports in 2013, representing 67 per cent of all provincial exports.  According to the Metropolitan Policy Program at the Brookings Institution, Winnipeg does $330 million worth of bilateral trade every year with New York, New Jersey and Long Island, making it Winnipeg’s top U.S. metro trading partner.

The premier cited New Flyer Industries as an example of local companies leading the charge to grow that figure, recently announcing a deal with the New York City Transit Authority to provide 276 electric buses. 

The mission will include an event to highlight tourism opportunities in the province including the Journey to Churchill exhibit that will open later this year and a special performance by the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra at Carnegie Hall.

“Tourism plays a major role in the Manitoba economy.  Our polar bears and world-class cultural institutions, such as the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra, are a big part of that,” said the premier.  “Exciting and unique new attractions like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and Journey to Churchill at Assiniboine Park are nothing short of game-changers for the industry.”

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