EDMUNDSTON (GNB) — The provincial government is investing $250,000 to help implement an economic component during the World Acadian Congress, taking place in August 2014.
The component consists of various major events, including a symposium on co-operation, a conference on exports, meetings, visits by delegations from Louisiana and France, and an economic summit.
“With all of these people coming from Quebec and Maine to participate in the World Acadian Congress, the upcoming summit is a perfect time to talk about economic development,” said Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé.
Dubé spoke on behalf of Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation.
The economic summit will take place on Aug. 21- 22, in Edmundston. The event will feature an unveiling of the economic profile, asset mapping, and the launch of the Acadie des terres et forêts (the land and forests of Acadie) website. In addition, business people will discuss research on the permanent regional mechanisms required to maintain exchange and networking opportunities between the business community, municipalities, departments, economic agencies, and the international Francophonie.
The economic component will be the main legacy of the congress to the region. The goal is for Aroostook County, Maine, northwestern New Brunswick, and Témiscouata, Quebec, to work together more closely.
“These border communities have to stop seeing the borders that separate them as barriers but rather as business and development opportunities,” said Léo-Paul Charest, executive director of the 2014 World Acadian Congress.
03-07-14