Representatives of five Virgin Islands businesses are in Canada for the "Fall 2013 Salon Du Cadeau De Montreal Gift Show," an annual trade show that opened Monday and closes Wednesday.

The trip was organized by the V.I. Economic Development Authority and led by Nadine Marchena Kean, project coordinator of the USVI State Trade and Export Promotion Program, according to Percival Clouden, chief executive officer of the EDA.

Participants at this event will include representatives from W-RIGHT Apiary, Soul Creations, Caribbean Herbals, Homeland Collections Portrait Gallery and Sisterhood Agenda Enterprises.

This is the first time the attendees of the Montreal Gift Show will be exposed to some of the most creative and unusual giftware products made by small manufacturers from the U.S. Virgin Islands. Giftware items will include award-winning scented candles, fine art notecards, honey-made products and much more.

The show will allow some of the participants of the STEP Program to exhibit their products as they network with more than 8,000 attendees who attend this event every year.

“This annual event is another spectacular opportunity to help our USVI STEP Program participants thrive and grow as small businesses within the giftware industry," Clouden said. "I am especially pleased with the fact that these small manufacturers will have the opportunity to expand their export-related activities as they network with Canadian suppliers and French manufacturers during this well-attended event.”

The Montreal Gift Show, one of three gift shows held in Canada, is hosted by the Canadian Gift & Tableware Association, a group of wholesale giftware companies that assist its retail partners.

More information about the USVI’s State Trade and Export Promotion Program is available by contacting Semele A.C. George at 340-714-1700 ext. 258. Those interested can find out more about the USVI’s STEP participants at www.usvimarketplace.com.