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Premier Tim Houston is leading a provincial trade mission to Europe this month, with a focus on expanding seafood exports and strengthening trade and investment ties in key international markets.
The Premier left Sunday for Spain and the United Kingdom, accompanied by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Kent Smith and other senior officials. Their first stop is Barcelona, where they will attend Seafood Expo Global — the world’s largest international seafood industry event. The Nova Scotia delegation will promote the province’s premium seafood to buyers, media, and culinary influencers from around the globe.
“Spain and the United Kingdom are top destinations for Nova Scotia’s fish and seafood exports,” said Premier Houston in a statement. “We want to strengthen that partnership and explore additional opportunities to do more trade with them.”
While in Spain, the delegation will also meet with stakeholders in defence, security, and renewable energy — areas the province sees as essential to its goal of becoming more self-reliant.
The mission continues in London, where the Premier will address members of the Canada-United Kingdom Chamber of Commerce at the House of Lords. His speech will highlight Nova Scotia’s trade potential, growing renewable energy sector, and long-standing cultural ties with the U.K.
Minister Smith says the mission is about more than promotion — it’s about ensuring a sustainable future for coastal communities. “By promoting our premium-quality seafood, we are helping our companies expand internationally, driving economic growth,” he said.
Nova Scotia continues to lead Canada in seafood exports, with more than $218 million in shipments to the European Union in 2024 — including over $30 million to Spain.
The delegation includes Premier Houston; Minister Smith; Chief of Staff and General Counsel Nicole LaFosse Parker; Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Jason Hollett; Executive Deputy Minister Tracey Taweel; and Executive Director of International and Military Relations Mike McMurray.
