Gov. McAuliffe promotes Va. products in trade missions to Canada, Mideast

A recent visit to Canada has resulted in new seafood exports from Virginia to distributors in eastern Canada.    Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe is in the midst of an 11-day trade and marketing mission to the Middle East and India to bolster the export of the state’s goods and services, and promote Virginia as a desirable location for foreign companies seeking a U.S. presence.
   The trip comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that a mission to Canada in September has resulted in a deal for Rappahannock River Oyster Co. to sell clams and oysters to seafood distributors in Lachine, Quebec, and Toronto. 
   Canada is the second-largest market for Virginia agriculture and forestry products.
   McAuliffe has stressed the importance of international trade to diversify Virginia’s economy. Agricultural products are among the goods state officials have worked hard to promote.
   The Virginia delegation will visit the United Arab Emirates, India, Oman and Kuwait. In addition to one-on-one business meetings, the governor will host five receptions to showcase Virginia’s economic development strengths, agriculture, forestry, and food and beverage assets, and quality of life to prospective corporate investors.
   In 2014, the UAE ranked 24th among Virginia export destinations, totaling $218 million.
   The McAuliffe administration is targeting several Middle East countries as potential markets for more Virginia agricultural goods. With a growing population and increasing demands for quality proteins, grains and other products, the region represents significant opportunities for the state agriculture and forestry sectors, officials say.
   The Port of Virginia, which is experiencing record growth in shipping activity, is a key gateway for getting Virginia products to overseas markets.