Stephen McNeil promoting province's seafood industry in China

Premier Stephen McNeil is in China today, promoting Nova Scotia seafood and a growing market in Asia.

The event is being held in Guangzhou, China.

"Asia is a priority market for Nova Scotia seafood export development efforts," said McNeil in an emailed statement.

"We are committed to showcasing Nova Scotia seafood as high quality, premium, traceable, sustainable and delicious."

According to the release, Asia was the third largest export market for the province in 2014, accounting for 10 per cent of exports. The release also said seafoodexports to Asia have increased dramatically over the past 20 years from $2 million in 1995 to $132 million in 2014.

The government says work to promote Nova Scotia in the city of Guangzhou included chef demonstrations, business meetings and company presentations to Chinese restaurant purchase managers, importers and distributors.

Later this month, Nova Scotia companies will participate in Seafood Expo Asia in Hong Kong, which attracts seafood buyers and chefs looking for new suppliers and products.

The following Nova Scotia companies are participating in both theGuangzhou event and expo are:

• Gidney Fisheries Ltd., Centreville, DigbyCounty
• NovaCan Live Seafood Inc., Arichat, Richmond County
• United Trans Ltd. of Halifax
• Atlantic Canada Resources Ltd, Dartmouth
• Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd. of Lower Wedgeport, Yarmouth County

"Taking part in a premier-led event meant a lot to our company in terms of the level of significance and trust that is automatically bestowed upon us in the eyes of our Asian trading partners," said Jules LeBlanc, president of Ocean Pride Fisheries Ltd.

"Having the premier there generated a higher level of marketing and promotion then we would ordinarily have as a purely business-to-business event."