The chamber of commerce is working to gain Free Trade Zone [FTZ] status for Sarnia-Lambton.
President and Chief Executive Officer Shirley de Silva has won the support of Lambton County Council.
She says many local businesses are interested in exporting their goods and services to other parts of Ontario, Canada and the world.
"The designation would enable Sarnia-Lambton to market itself as a centre of trade and business and provide direct support to importers and exporters through a one-stop service and website," said de Silva. "The community would also have its own advisory group, represented by various government agencies and led by FedDev Ontario."
She said in the long term, they're hoping to develop a distribution centre and diploma or certificate program at Lambton College to help fill the existing and future skills gap in the trade and distribution sectors.
de Silva said the chamber has provided leadership on the issue to a locally formed Trade Corridor Taskforce, which has representatives from the Blue Water Bridge, local industry and Lambton College.
She said the chamber supports the initiative and is submitting the FTZ application on behalf of the group.
Sarnia-Lambton's Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Shirley de Silva (Submitted Photo)
FedDev Ontario is reviewing the application, and it could take months to establish if approved.
