Santo Domingo.- Canada ambassador Todd Kuiack announces that the Honorable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defense and Minister of State (Atlantic Opportunities Agency of Canada) (La Francophonie), will be the head of the trade delegation which will come to Santo Domingo from September 2 to 5.

“Our government’s top priority is the economy, create jobs, growth and sustainable prosperity for all," said the ambassador. "Trade delegations are instrumental in the creation of jobs and prosperity because they show the strengths and expertise of Canadian companies and open doors to opportunities in markets that benefit from Canada’s experience, skills and know-how."

"Our government is committed to helping small and medium businesses to access new markets and become more competitive," said Minister Valcourt. "I am pleased to be the head of this trade mission to the Dominican Republic where we intend to show expertise, Canadian services and products to a large number of industry leaders, individuals with decision-making power, potential customers and business partners particularly in the areas of infrastructure and agribusiness."

Twenty organizations, especially infrastructure and agribusiness, will be participating in this trade mission. It includes LED Roadway Lighting, whic also participated in a mission to Brazil with the Minister of International Trade Ed Fast in June 2011.

 LED Roadway Lighting will place an ad in the Dominican Republic and hopes that this mission will open the doors to new opportunities in this market.

With a gross domestic product of US$56.1 billion, the Dominican Republic has the second largest economy in the Caribbean and Central America. Modern ports and telecommunications infrastructure make the country a place of choice for companies looking to expand their operations or establish a base to provide services to other markets in the Caribbean and Central America.

Canada is also committed to establishing strong economic partnerships that contribute to the increase of prosperity in the Americas. Canada’s increased trade with partners in the Americas can have a positive impact on security and democracy.

In 2011, Canada’s exports to the Dominican Republic reached US$148.8 million and imports of US$148.5 billion. That same year, foreign direct investment grew 7.2 percent compared with the previous year to a total of US$433.0 million.

After concluding his visit to the Dominican Republic, the Minister Valcourt will head the trade delegation’s visit to Haiti.