Winnipeg, Manitoba - Business leaders from around the world will have an opportunity to participate at Centrallia 2012, a global trade and foreign investment initiative, thanks to combined investments of $1.2 million from the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba.
These investments were announced today by Peter Bjornson, Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training, and Trade, and Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Finance and Member of Parliament for Saint-Boniface, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.
"Business leaders from around the globe will gather in Winnipeg this year for this world-class networking event. It's an opportunity to showcase all Manitoba has to offer," said Minister Bjornson. "Centrallia 2010 was a great success and our government is pleased to work once again alongside the federal government and ANIM, Manitoba's Bilingual Trade Agency, to help make this year's event possible."
"Our Government is working to create new jobs for Canadians and economic growth," said Parliamentary Secretary Glover. "Centrallia 2012's unique business-to-business approach brings small and medium-sized businesses from around the world to Winnipeg to develop new relationships and opportunities."
The Government of Canada is providing $600,000 to this project under the Western Diversification Program, while the Province of Manitoba is providing a matching $600,000.
These investments will enable ANIM, Manitoba's Bilingual Trade Agency, to build on the success of Centrallia 2010 and deliver another Centrallia global business forum designed to help small and medium-sized businesses meet and create international connections.
Centrallia 2012 will capitalize on Manitoba's location at the heart of North America to promote the province's key role in the Mid-Content Trade and Transportation Corridor. It is anticipated that more than 600 business leaders from more than 40 economic regions will attend this trilingual, international forum. ANIM is collaborating with The Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce, and its partners, the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, and Manitoba Trade and Investment to organize the event. This international business-to-business forum will increase business trade, investments and partnerships with Europe, the United States and South America.
"Centrallia 2010 showed a very high return on investment for Manitoba and more importantly for Manitoba's business community," said Mariette Mulaire, president and CEO of ANIM. "We are very pleased that the Federal and Provincial Governments are on board to support this initiative again. We are committed to deliver a second edition of the forum in 2012 which will be even bigger and better."
Western Economic Diversification Canada in partnership with the provinces, industry associations, and communities promotes the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision-making.
The Province of Manitoba is committed to supporting growth for Manitoba business, meeting provincial labour demands, increasing training opportunities and expanding trade relations around the world.
ANIM provides services to expand the presence of Manitoba organizations and businesses in national and international Francophone markets, and works with clients overseas to promote business opportunities in Manitoba.