SAINT JOHN, N.B. — The Saint John Port Authority and the City of Saint John are working to form a new trade gateway for the region.

The potential for a Southern New Brunswick Gateway is being explored as part of a new study to determine its viability.

The Southern New Brunswick region with its border crossing, strong port, airport and rail systems is ideally situated to benefit from increased international trade, said Saint John Mayor, Norm McFarlane. By creating a Southern New Brunswick Gateway, we are increasing our ability to market this potential to trading partners globally, and make a better case for Federal investment in our infrastructure.

The gateway would encompass marine, road, rail and air transportation modes and would enhance global trade. Central to the gateways success would be the Port of Saint John.

The Port of Saint John is Atlantic Canadas most diverse marine gateway and one of the largest ports for cargo throughout the nation, said Capt. Al Soppitt, president and CEO, Port of Saint John. While the ports primary cargo is bulk commodities, it is also a container port and is a major cruise port in Atlantic Canada. The port is poised for future growth with projected increased in bulk cargo, opening of the LNG terminal, expansion of potash and increases in cruise and with partners is positioning itself in the proposed Atlantic Gateway aimed at increasing international trade through Canadas East Coast.

McFarlane said developing the gateway would strengthen Canadas position in international commerce.

Quite simply, a strong gateway will lead to a strong economy in Southern New Brunswick, he added.

Consultant Paul Ouimet, executive vice-president of InterVISTAS Consulting, will be leading the project. He will start by conducting a planning and research phase. The company has experience forming gateways and has been involved with the Greater Vancouver Gateway Council, the Halifax Gateway Council and the Southern Ontario Gateway Council. Preliminary consultations are slated to begin in Southern New Brunswick Oct. 9.