In 2007, Development Sault Ste. Marie, a division of the SSMEDC, unveiled its International Relations & Global Logistics Strategy.  As part of this strategy, Development SSM participated in a China outbound trade mission as well as an inbound trade mission from Portugal. 

 

The China mission consisted of a six-city tour.  Delegates from Sault Ste. Marie represented a wide-range of interests, encompassing both the private and public sectors, and were able to meet with high-level government officials and key industry contacts in each city. 

 

A delegation from Portugal was taken on a tour of the city’s industrial, commercial and tourist sites. 

 

Other international activities were pursued as well. The Department of Foreign Affairs provided an information session to the SSM Chamber of Commerce on how to effectively access information from the Trade Commissioner Service. 

 

Also, there were a number of embassy visits to Sault Ste. Marie.  Representatives from Ireland came.  As did a mission from Finland, in preparation of Finn Fest 2010, and a Russian delegation, which investigated air cargo opportunities.  The possibility of trade missions to India was also investigated.  The Canadian consulate in Detroit had discussions regarding a possible sister-city arrangement as well.

 

Austrian delegates came to share their knowledge on renewable energy production.  Many efforts have been made to position Sault Ste. Marie as a leader in this field.  The Renewable Energy Strategy, created by Destiny SSM, brings together agencies from across the region to work towards expanding and growing this sector.