Ocean trade mission to Brazil receives GOA funding
Ocean Networks Canada will receive funding from the Canadian government to support an ocean technology trade mission developing new collaboration opportunities with counterparts in Brazil, on behalf of the new Ocean Technology Alliance of Canada.
"Our government is committed to growing our economy and creating good, new, high-value jobs for hard-working Canadians," said the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. " That is why we are helping our world-class industries expand and succeed abroad. With more than 250,000 kilometres of coastline, bordered by three of the world's five oceans, our global marine and ocean technology sector has world-recognized expertise and know-how to offer. The funding announced today will help our innovative ocean technology companies forge new partnerships in Brazil as it develops its offshore infrastructure."
The trade mission to Brazil is being led by the Ocean Networks Canada's Centre for Enterprise and Engagement, that is funded under the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program.
“Brazil is one of the world’s fastest growing economies with a particular focus on the offshore sector,” notes the Centre's Director, Scott McLean. “We believe it’s a great match for Canada’s expertise in sustained monitoring of the ocean environment.”
The major objective of the mission is to establish collaborative relationships and explore opportunities for Canadian ocean observing technology and expertise as part of Brazil’s $200 billion investment in developing its offshore infrastructure.
The week long trip planned for December will include executive level meetings with approximately 50 key companies and organizations in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro that are seeking ocean observing partnership with Canada. It will be coordinated with the Canadian Trade Commissioners in Brazil.
Funding for the trade mission is being provided through the Government of Canada’s Global Opportunities for Associations program.
Adds Dr. Kate Moran, President of Ocean Networks Canada: “This support from the federal government will certainly further the national mandate of our Centre for
Enterprise and Engagement to build vital international partnerships for Canadians, through our leadership in innovative ocean observing science and technology.”
Ocean Networks Canada Centre for Engagement and Enterprise is a Centre of Excellence in Commercialization and Research (CECR), funded by the Canadian Government under the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) program. Through a series of programs focused on ocean science, technology and education, the Centre has a mandate to generate social and economic benefits leveraging the world-leading technology of University of Victoria’s Ocean Networks Canada Observatory and its VENUS and NEPTUNE Canada cabled undersea networks.
Source: http://www.oceannetworks.ca/
