Halifax and Portsmouth, England become sister cities to progress business and trade opportunities

Halifax and Portsmouth, England become sister cities to progress business and trade opportunities

Halifax and Portsmouth, England have formalized their “sister city” agreement to expand on both cities' work to develop opportunities for business. The agreement was signed today in Portsmouth by Halifax Mayor, Mike Savage and the Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Councillor Hugh Mason.

The signing of this formal agreement opens the potential to expand on both cities' work to develop opportunities for businesses in shipbuilding, oceanology, satellite applications and for maritime small businesses. The two cities are also keen to explore a partnership between naval bases and ports, visitor economy links, and best practices on clean technology and sustainability as both cities are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions.

Mayor Savage, Nancy Philips, Vice President of Investment and International Partnerships, Halifax Partnership, and Gordon Gale with the Ocean Technology Council of Nova Scotia are meeting with Leader of Portsmouth City Council Councillor, Gerald Vernon Jackson, and Portsmouth's key companies including BAE Systems, Airbus, Portico, Portsmouth International Port and HM Naval Base.

Councillor Vernon-Jackson said: “This formal agreement to become a "sister city" with Halifax in Nova Scotia opens real potential to

expand on work to develop a significant partnership focused on business, our visitor economy, and shared commitment to be net zero for the wider benefit of our city."

Mayor Savage said: “This agreement with Portsmouth builds on the relationships that already exist between the naval bases and universities in both cities and will enable us to explore new economic opportunities together that will generate business, jobs, and growth in both regions.”

Scott Jamieson, Managing Director of BAE Systems’ Maritime Services business, said: “Having worked in Halifax for 10 years and now based in Portsmouth, I am delighted to witness this landmark agreement. BAE Systems’ extensive support to the Royal Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy means that both naval cities are of strategic importance to our company. It’s great to see the relationship strengthened further.”

About Halifax Regional Municipality’s International Economic Partnerships
Halifax Regional Municipality’s Economic Partnership Agreements with international cities, managed by the Halifax Partnership, focus on economic development, including economic exchange, business development, and technological advancement through building business links, increasing Halifax Regional Municipality’s profile, attracting investment, and promoting trade.