HALIFAX (CP) — An Atlantic Canadian think-tank says the region will continue to lose prospective immigrants to larger Canadian centres unless it improves its strategy for attracting newcomers.

A paper released by the Halifax-based Atlantic Institute for Market Studies says the Atlantic provinces need to offer more immigration advice, marketing materials, and websites in a number of languages.

 The paper, which focuses on business immigrants from China, also says the immigration process needs to be expedited.

 As well, more workplace internships and language training should be offered.

The paper’s author, John Huang, says the strategy would not only boost the region’s reputation in China, but encourage immigrants from other countries to come to the region to live.

The paper also suggests encouraging students who come to Atlantic Canada for school to stay and work once they’ve completed their studies.

To read more about the AIMS paper, click here.