Release
HALIFAX: Nova Scotia’s forestry sector is evolving, and the province is exploring best practices and new markets around the world.
That’s why Nova Scotia is moving ahead with virtual forestry trade missions, starting with Sweden on Tuesday, Aug. 25. Similar events in key markets, such as Finland and Maine, will take place over the fall to support forestry sector transition efforts.
Lands and Forestry Minister Iain Rankin will lead discussions on innovation, diversification and forestry management to continue to support the transition of Nova Scotia’s forestry sector towards a strong, sustainable industry respected for its stewardship practices and delivering high value with less ecological impact.
“Sweden is recognized internationally as a leader in forestry innovation and best practices. We appreciate the willingness of forestry experts in Sweden to share their knowledge with us and we look forward to building on this relationship in the future,” said Mr. Rankin.
Nova Scotia’s delegation includes forestry transition team members, trustees of the Forestry Innovation Transition Trust, and forestry sector, academic and government representatives. They will meet with representatives from Sweden’s forestry sector and research institutions.
A mission to Sweden and Finland, originally scheduled in March, was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Quick Facts:
— this mission will help further efforts to strengthen relationships and develop partnerships to increase economic opportunities in Europe, as part of the Nova Scotia-Europe engagement strategy released in April 2019
— the meeting with Sweden is Nova Scotia’s first virtual forestry trade mission
— the European Union is Nova Scotia’s third-largest trading partner and export destination
— in 2019, Nova Scotia businesses exported $528 million in goods to the EU, an increase of 8 per cent from five years ago. The province exported $34 million in wood products.
Additional resources:
Forestry Sector Transition Team: https://novascotia.ca/forestry-sector-support/transition.asp
Forestry Innovation Transition Trust: https://novascotia.ca/forestry-trust/
Nova Scotia-Europe Engagement Strategy: https://novascotia.ca/europestrategy/
