U.s. And Canada Discuss Trade In Northern New York

Sen. Aubertine: Seminar fosters good relationship, brings investment and jobs

OGDENSBURG (May 22, 2008)—United States and Canadian officials came together for the first U.S./Canada Cross Border Seminar on Thursday morning to help boost trade between the two countries around Northern New York.

"A strong trade relationship with our northern neighbors is important for both countries," said state Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent). "Events like this help us to foster a good relationship with Canadian businesses. It's important we make sure both Americans and Canadians understand the rules and procedures so that we can share in the benefits of working together."

Sen. Aubertine and Wade A. Davis, executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, opened the day welcoming close to 80 participants, including officials and representatives from 24 Canadian and 22 U.S. businesses. Throughout the day seminars explained the process and strategies for doing business across the border.

"It's often noted that Canada and the U.S. are each other's largest trading partner. While that's the case, it's equally important for both economies that we're working together as an integrated region," Davis said. "This would not be possible without the assistance of our elected officials and the agencies involved in putting this event together."

The seminar is sponsored by the Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, the St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, AMCHAM Canada, Federal Express, U.S. Embassy in Ottawa; the Canada Border Services Agency; and the U.S. Commercial Service, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The U.S./Canada Cross Border Seminar at the Dobisky Community Center is a chance for Ogdensburg to promote its facilities, assets and opportunities for investment. However, the event also serves the larger purpose of encouraging trade with Canada to benefit not just Ogdensburg, but the entire region and the country as a whole.

"By investing in the North Country these businesses can not only gain a foothold within the United States, but strengthen the economy in Northern New York," Sen. Aubertine said. "Canadian companies and individuals have invested here in Ogdensburg and in other parts of the north country. We must build upon this investment."

Individual seminars within the all-day session covered assorted topics related to cross border commerce and trade, including industrial development opportunities at the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, import and documentation requirements for crossing the border, and tips for success in exporting to Canada. The group was also taken on a tour of United States and Canada customs facilities, the Ogdensburg Business Park, and the port authority's facilities.

"We need to show that moving across the border at Ogdensburg and in the Thousand Islands is not only easier than some might expect, but also profitable," Sen. Aubertine said. "What we're trying to do with seminars like this is help businesses understand and improve the process of doing business. This will help facilitate investment on both sides of the St. Lawrence River bringing jobs to the region."

The United States and Canada share the world's largest bilateral trade relationship in the world. Canada represents New York's most important trading partner, with a combined two-way trade in goods and services of $35.8 billion, and close to 470,000 jobs created in 2006 as a result of this trade relation, according to the U.S. Commercial Service.