CNA launches new initiatives for international trade studies
2/13/2004 2:00:08 PM
February 13, 2004 –College of the North Atlantic has launched a new series of international trade training initiatives aimed at enhancing exporting activity throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Included in the new initiatives are an enhanced trade curriculum for its business administration/management programs, a Certified International Trade Professional designation, and an expanded outreach trade program for businesses and service providers.
Burin-St. George’s MP Bill Matthews announced that the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency is providing a $470,759 contribution to the college under the Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership.
“The Government of Canada is pleased to work with College of the North Atlantic on this project to enhance international trade education, which will benefit students, graduates and entrepreneurs,” said Mr. Matthews.
“This investment will act as a catalyst for continued development of the college, and will improve the effectiveness of the programming and match programs to meet provincial and regional business exporting needs.”
The college is partnering with the Forum for International Trade Training Inc., a national not-for-profit organization that provides internationally recognized courses in international trade, to deliver the new programs and activities over the next three years. The project is being launched at Burin campus, but will be developed as a province-wide initiative to benefit regions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Beginning in September of this year, Burin campus will also offer a new two-year Business Administration International Trade diploma program. The enhanced international trade program will help graduates become better prepared to effectively assist the provincial business community in competing internationally and expanding markets for goods and services.
“We are excited to be launching these key programs and activities to enhance the college’s international business curriculum,” said college president Pamela Walsh.
“This trade education initiative will provide students and graduates with current and relevant information in the field of international trade, create stronger ties between the institution and the private sector, enhance our outreach initiatives and better prepare our business graduates.”
Outreach initiatives will be designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses, and will benefit business professionals and service providers interested in improving their expertise in international trade. The college will also partner with local economic development and trade associations to further international trade training on specific topics.
This project is being funded under the Trade Education and Skills Development component of ACOA’s Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (ATIP), a $54-million comprehensive strategy to strengthen the export performance of the Atlantic region and to increase foreign direct investment.
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For more information, please contact:
Tanya Alexander
Public Information Officer
College of the North Atlantic
(709) 643-7928
Stephen Heckbert
Director of Communications,
Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire
(613) 948-7293
Doug Burgess
Director, Public Affairs
ACOA
(709) 772-2935