Last week, Portsmouth hosted a significant visit from Jason Guidry, Director of Trade and International Partnerships from Halifax Partnership Canada, along with a large delegation of Canadian businesses. This four-day event, held from 7 to 10 April aimed to foster new business relationships and explore collaborative opportunities between Portsmouth and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The visit commenced with an event hosted by Maritime UK Solent at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard, bringing together over 70 Solent-based and Canadian businesses. This gathering provided a platform for sharing maritime business opportunities.
Following on, Jason then had personal meetings with 14 Portsmouth businesses across the city who were interested in diversifying their supply chain by finding trading partners and new markets and customers in Canada.
The discussions focused on expanding opportunities in data and digital services, life sciences, satellite applications and maritime. Additionally, both sister cities are keen to explore partnerships between naval bases and ports, visitor economy links, and best practices in clean technology and sustainability.
Jason Guidry, Director of Trade and International Partnerships at Halifax Partnership said:
“Strengthening ties between Portsmouth and Halifax opens the door to new and expanded business, trade, investment, and supply chain opportunities and partnerships that will accelerate business and economic growth in both our regions.”
Councillor Steve Pitt Leader of Portsmouth City Council with responsibilities for economic development commented on the visit, saying,
“In a changing world where international cooperation is even more vital, we are taking every opportunity to help our businesses grow and strengthen our local economy. It was a pleasure to welcome the Canadians and see real potential to expand on work to develop a significant partnership focused on business and our visitor economy.”
The business who took advantage of the opportunity included Visitor Chat Ltd, Sirius Analysis, Red Penquin, Metaverse VR, SI Digital, Mary Rose, Exposure Analytics Ltd, Nova Systems, CTS Europe Ltd (recent winner of Global Business of the Year at the Portsmouth Business Awards), Solent Sky Services, Velocetec, Houlder, Space South Central and Qinetiq. These meetings were held at various locations across the city, including Lakeside North Harbour, Portsdown Technology Park, and Dunsbury Park.
This visit marks a significant step in the ongoing partnership between Portsmouth and Halifax, which became sister cities in 2023. The formal agreement signed between the two cities aims to expand opportunities for businesses and foster economic growth through international collaboration.