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Gov. John Baldacci unveiled plans Monday to establish the North East Atlantic Region trading alliance, asserting to the world, “Maine is indeed open for business.”
Baldacci told a breakfast audience at the Wells Conference Center at the University of Maine that he hopes to begin a ripple effect of international trade with the state of Maine, commencing with stronger trading ties with its neighbor to the north, Canada.
The World Affairs Council presented “Beyond The Borders of Maine: Economic Growth Through Canadian Partnership,” featuring Baldacci as keynote speaker.
“[Maine] will recognize opportunities in a time of crisis and do what we do best,” Baldacci said. “We will show by example and build international bridges to strengthen trade with the world around us.”
Baldacci went on to discuss how promoting NEAR will “put Maine into motion” and lead to broader horizons for Maine as an international hub of trading activity.
“We will be aggressive,” Baldacci said. “The future of Maine’s industry does not look to Boston or New York for trade opportunities. We must go global.”
Baldacci said he puts his faith in the citizens to carry out his goals for establishing Maine as a pivotal part of NEAR.
“The opportunity to live and work in Maine is different than working in Washington, D.C.,” Baldacci said. “People want to do the right thing here.”
Preceding Baldacci, and on hand to offer welcoming remarks, was UMaine President Peter S. Hoff. Hoff hailed Baldacci as a man who is “up to the challenges” of carrying Maine through “the dual challenges of war and economic hard times.”
“We should demand that the universities of the world function as sanctuaries of reason,” Hoff said. He also commended the UMaine community for exemplary behavior in times where world affairs have reached a crisis pitch and for their deep commitment to international dialogue.
“Universities should not be ivory towers that disassociate themselves from the action and passion of their times,” Hoff said.
The presentation concluded with President of the Maine International Trade Center Richard Coyle informing the audience on matters such as where Maine is trading, the direction of international trade and upcoming trade events and opportunities.
“Maine ranks 25th in the nation with a gross state product of 5.5 percent,” Coyle said. “The bottom line is we’re lacking – we’re not where we should be.”
Coyle commended the ongoing efforts of Baldacci and the strides former Gov. King made in international trade with foreign bodies such as the United Kingdom, Mexico, Asia, Nova Scotia and South America, but insisted that Maine continue to pursue trading options outside the borders of the state.
“Given the state of our current economy, we can’t afford to ignore our unique position as a potential hub for international trade,” Coyle said. “Maine has been coming along for quite some time now … it’s time we arrived.”
Bangor Daily News