NEIA delegates return from environmental sector Trade Mission to Caribbean region

For Immediate Release
September 27, 2017

The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) has returned from leading a trade mission of nine delegate firms to Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, and St. Lucia.

“NEIA and its firms continue to build relationships and develop business partnerships in the Caribbean region,” said Abbie Lacey, NEIA’s Manager of International Business Development. Lacey noted that this was the fifth in-market engagement NEIA has had in the region since 2015, and second in 2017. “These missions have resulted in projects and exports for Newfoundland and Labrador firms.”

NEIA’s Executive Director Kieran Hanley says that markets in the Caribbean are an excellent fit for Newfoundland and Labrador firms. “The environmental challenges being faced by these small and primarily island nations – from coastal erosion to wastewater management to their distance from major markets – are very similar to the challenges we are facing here at home.” Hanley said the solutions developed in this province are relevant, at the right scale, and can in many cases be adapted for use in those markets. “Newfoundland and Labrador has a long history of trade with the Caribbean region, and we are working hard to continue and deepen that tradition.”

This mission marked the first time NEIA led a delegation of companies to Guyana. “With the rapid development of offshore oil resources and an objective to develop internal capacity, there are unique similarities between what is occurring in Guyana now and what our province experienced in the early days of our own industry,” said Lacey. “We feel that by sharing those experiences, and reaching out in partnership, there are opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador firms to diversify their activities into this new market.” Lacey said NEIA will continue to explore those opportunities on behalf of its membership.

Related Links: NEIA in the news in Guyana

NEIA’s international business initiatives in the region are a product of a continued collaboration with the Department of Tourism, Culture, Innovation, and Industry and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “The provincial government and ACOA have been invaluable partners in our pursuit of international business growth for our sector,” said Hanley. “We hope to continue to work together towards the diversification and strengthening of our provincial economy through export and trade.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that promotes the development of clean technology and the growth of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members. More information can be found at https://neia.org.

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Media Contact
Kieran Hanley: 709.237.8190