development trade mission to Canada, a visit that will focus on the
energy and bioscience industries. In his first trade visit to another
country, Gov. Ritter will be stopping inCalgary, Toronto and Edmonton.
Canada is Colorado's top export trading partner and one of Colorado's
leading investors.
"Canada is a major source of foreign investment in Colorado," Gov.
Ritter said. "The similarities between our key industries make Canada
a natural partner for Colorado, especially in the bioscience, fossil-
fuel energy and renewable energy sectors. This mission will allow us
to develop new partnerships and retain existing Canadian investments
inColorado. We hope to raise our visibility and position Colorado as a
preferred partner for Canadian companies."
Colorado exported more than $1.8 billion in manufactured and
agricultural products to Canada in 2006. Overall trade between
Colorado and Canada amounted to nearly $3.5 billion and supported
93,000 jobs in Colorado in 2006.
During next week's partnership-and-retention trade mission, Gov.
Ritter's itinerary includes: visits to the MaRS Discovery Centre in
Toronto and Canada's legendary oil sands in Alberta; industry meetings
with several energy-producing and bioscience companies, and visits
with government officials."
The Colorado delegation will include representatives from the Colorado
Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Governor's
Energy Office, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, University of
Colorado, Colorado State University, Consulate General Office of
Canada, Metro Denver Economic Development Corp., Aurora Economic
Development Council, South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson
Economic Council, Northern Colorado Economic Development Corp., Grand
Junction Economic Partnership, Denver Office of Economic Development,
Colorado BioScience Association, Fitzsimons Redevelopment Authority
and Forest City.
