November 8, 1996
(Executive Council)

Premier signs Memorandum of Understanding in Ireland

Premier Brian Tobin and Prime Minister John Bruton today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Dublin, Ireland on economic cooperation.

"The MOU will provide a framework to build upon and encourage linkages between the business, industry and cultural sectors of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Republic of Ireland," says Tobin. "It represents a commitment to work together to achieve common goals, given the similarities in economies."

Areas of potential cooperation identified in the MOU include: technology transfer, business joint ventures, research and development, cooperative training activities and academic interchange, cultural events and industries and environmental management/environmental industries. The MOU will be implemented by a Coordinating Committee, which will develop mechanisms to foster linkages and identify and coordinate projects and programs.

Paul Dicks, Minister of Finance, and a delegation of representatives from 18 Newfoundland and Labrador companies accompanied the Premier. The Premier addressed the Irish Canada Business Association and will participate in meetings with President Mary Robinson and Canadian Ambassador to Ireland, Michael Phillips. This is the first time the Irish government hosted a premier from this province.

The delegation of business people represent companies from various sectors of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy, with a particular focus on the information technology (IT) sector. The representatives will be meeting with various Irish company representatives.

For more information, contact: Cathy Dornan, Director of Communications, (709) 729-3564.