Halifax, N.S. - Today, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency), announced the creation of a ‘single-window’ Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point in Halifax, Nova Scotia to strengthen the region’s international trade capacity. Canada has taken important steps in providing new trade advantages for business. Canada’s duty and tax relief is geographically flexible making the Halifax Gateway an ideal location for companies in the logistics and manufacturing sectors. Programs such as the Duty Deferral, Export Distribution Center and Exporters of Processing Services make it possible to create an FTZ environment in the Halifax Gateway and offers all the benefits companies would find in a traditional FTZ. The Halifax Gateway is comprised of the Halifax Stanfield International Airport, the Port of Halifax, two deep water container terminals, CN Rail, a strong logistics and warehousing sector which includes the Halifax Logistics Park, and excellent class 1 highway infrastructure. The Halifax Gateway works collaboratively to leverage Nova Scotia’s role as a hub for international transportation, manufacturing and distribution. The FTZ Point will enable the Halifax Gateway to work more effectively with national and international companies and provide them with faster access into the rest of North America.  Quick Facts: - The FTZ Point is a strategic location identified for international trade and foreign direct investment, which is uniquely supported by a single-point of access to information on relevant government policies and programs. - Halifax is one of four FTZ Points that have been established in Canada. - Halifax offers importers and exporters direct, fast and affordable access to worldwide markets with links to the European Union, the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent, and the Far East via the Suez Canal. - As the closest North American Gateway to Europe, the Halifax Gateway has much to offer under the Canada EU Trade Agreement. Through the Halifax Gateway, EU companies will have easy access to the United States and Mexico under NAFTA. - The Halifax Logistics Park is located in Burnside, which is the largest business park north of Boston and east of Montreal. The Park is located 10 -15 minutes from the urban centre of Halifax, the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the Port of Halifax. It offers global transloading and distribution options for exporting and importing companies. Quotes: “Our Government recognizes that international trade and investment are vital to our continued economic growth and contribute to the prosperity of people and businesses across our region. By creating a Foreign Trade Zone in Halifax, we are strengthening and promoting our position as a hub for international transportation, manufacturing and distribution. Above all, we are helping companies reach new markets and become more competitive.”      - The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) “The $129 billion in mega projects currently taking place in Atlantic Canada present a tremendous opportunity for suppliers, particularly from the UK and Europe, who can benefit from the Halifax Gateway’s strategic location and multi-modal transportation and logistics. The FTZ designation adds to the Gateway’s one-stop-shop offering, which helps companies save time and money when importing and exporting goods.”      - Karen Oldfield, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority “The announcement of the Foreign Trade Zone Point is an important element to strengthen, promote and grow the logistics, transportation and value added sector in Halifax and Nova Scotia. This designation will also enhance the value offering of the Halifax Logistics Park as an Atlantic Canadian distribution hub.”      -  Mike Savage, Mayor, Halifax, Nova Scotia