P.E.I. exporters turn eyes to southeast U.S.A.

P.E.I.'s economic development minister is in Nashville this week with a half dozen Island companies to build partnerships and trade export markets.

The group is taking part in the Southeast United States and Canadian Provinces Alliance annual conference.

Economic Development Minister Heath MacDonald said 2015 was a very successful year for exports and the government wants to keep growing.

• P.E.I. export growth expected to continue to lead country

"The U.S., it continues to be P.E.I.'s largest export market, accounting for almost 62 per cent. And down in the southeastern United States, I think out of that 62 there is close to five per cent of the market share," said MacDonald.

"There's six companies here from P.E.I. with us. And they are doing biz to biz meetings and trying to build more business for themselves and some alliances as well."

Music PEI is one of the organizations taking part.

Boosting tourism

MacDonald said he is focusing on telling delegates about the Island's success in aerospace, bioscience, IT, and farming and fishing.

MacDonald, who is also tourism minister, is also using the opportunity to boost tourism, inviting everyone to check out P.E.I. for their next vacation.

P.E.I. hosted the Southeast United States and Canadian Provinces Alliance conference in 2015.

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