Premier heads trade mission to Belgium and France

New Brunswick delegation aims to diversify trade and promote port projects

Release

Office of the Premier, Department of Intergovernmental Affairs, Opportunities New Brunswick

March 27, 2026

FREDERICTON (GNB) – Premier Susan Holt is leading a trade mission to Belgium and France that features representatives from Opportunities NB and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as the CEOs from Port Saint John and the Port of Belledune.

The goal is to strengthen relationships, further trade opportunities and advance major New Brunswick port projects.

“In the face of global uncertainty and unlawful tariffs from the United States, it is more important than ever that we focus on market diversification so that our New Brunswick businesses can thrive,” said Holt. “This trade mission will give us the chance to share what we already know: New Brunswick is a great place to do business. We’ve got the natural resources and the human resources, and now we need the partners and investment.”

The delegation will begin the mission in Belgium, known as the gateway to Europe, with the aim of strengthening port-to-port co-operation between Antwerp-Bruges, Port Saint John and the Port of Belledune. Meetings between Belgian and New Brunswick companies on logistics, energy, marine services, innovation and clean tech will support efforts to identify new customers for New Brunswick’s products. Delegates will also meet with Nicholas Brousseau, Canada’s ambassador to Belgium.

New Brunswick and France share a close diplomatic, cultural and economic relationship. While in that country, the delegation will continue efforts to find new trade and investment partners through an economic roundtable with French companies, as well as meetings with Crédit Agricole, Eurenco, Nalagx and logistics leaders CMA CGM Group.

While in France, Holt will meet with Louise Mushikiwabo, the secretary general of the International Organization of La Francophonie, the first New Brunswick premier to do so since 2016. Holt will also meet with members of the Association interparlementaire France-Canada, as well as Nathalie Drouin, Canada’s newly named ambassador to France.

03-27-26

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