Trade and trade-related investment are very important features of Nova
Scotia's economy: today, just under half of every dollar earned in the province
comes from exports to Canada and the world, and just over half of every dollar
spent in Nova Scotia is on imports from Canadian and global sources.
Nova Scotia's exports and imports both contribute to the province's economic
growth through improved allocation of economic resources, lower consumer prices,
more product variety, and greater industrial productivity. In fact, industrial
productivity is the key long-term driver of higher standards of living and the
overall competitiveness of our economy.
Intergovernmental Affairs works with our government, with the federal and other
provincial and territorial governments, and with many other stakeholders to grow
the province's trade and investment relationships within Canada, with the U.S.,
with the European Union and with other key partners around the world. Some of
the stakeholders in Nova Scotian trade include business associations, "civil
society" organizations such as environmental groups, labour unions, consumer
advocates, municipalities, educational institutions, and social and health
service entities.