International trade zone topic at UMaine breakfast

ORONO – Economic growth through Canadian partnerships will be the theme of the eighth annual Governor’s International Community Breakfast on March 31 at the University of Maine.

At the breakfast, organized by the World Affairs Council of Maine, Gov. John Baldacci will discuss the key components of his economic plan for the state, which includes the creation of an International Trade Zone to take advantage of the business opportunities between Maine, the Maritime Provinces and Quebec. The trade zone would promote joint efforts in trade, transportation and tourism. Baldacci will discuss his vision for the initiative and the expansion of economic opportunities in northern Maine and Canada.

Baldacci will be joined by Richard Coyle, president of the Maine International Trade Center, who will discuss where Maine is trading, the direction of international trade, and upcoming trade events and opportunities.

The event is sponsored by the University of Maine’s College of Business, Public Policy and Health, the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce, Bangor Savings Bank, Fairchild Semiconductor and Guilford Transportation Industries.

A breakfast buffet will be served at 7 a.m. in the Wells Conference Center, with the program beginning at 7:40 a.m.

For more information or to register, contact the World Affairs Council at 780-5383 or triffin@wacmaine.org.