Journal Staff
Business and civic leaders from Sarnia and London have teamed up in a bid to increase international exports and lure foreign investment.
The collaboration announced in Sarnia recently will create an expanded trade region and give local companies help in marketing their products globally, said Rory Ring, president & CEO of the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce.
“What we are putting forward is a private sector group that will see Sarnia-Lambton’s current and potential exporters get together to share ideas, gain market intelligence and even put together trade missions.”
Two-thirds of local exporters ship to markets outside the U.S., including the Middle East, United Kingdom, Australia and Europe, the chamber has found.
The London Chamber will help with establishing a ‘global opportunities group,’ with reps from Sarnia, Lambton County, the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership, Sarnia Lambton Business Development Corporation, the BDC (Business Development Corporation of Canada) and the provincial Ministry of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure.
“As a larger trade region sharing resources and intelligence, we will be more successful getting noticed in global markets,” Ring said.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said the plan is to eventually expand the collaboration to include other municipalities in the region.
“(I’m) encouraged by the discussion that have already taken place,” he said.