The following is a copy of the joint communique issued today in St. Pierre et Miquelon following the visit of Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and lead minister responsible for developing economic relations with St-Pierre et Miquelon. The communique was issued by Ms. Foote; M. Bernard Lesoavec, President of the General Council; and M. Jean-Francois Carenco, Prefet of St-Pierre et Miquelon:

Pursuant to the Franco-Canadian Agreement of 1994, the first meeting of the Steering Committee between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and St. Pierre et Miquelon was held in St. Pierre et Miquelon on the 7, 8 and 9 of April. The committee was charged with the realization of a variety of cooperative economic projects between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and St. Pierre et Miquelon.

Discussions covered three major themes: economic development; cultural, educational and sporting exchanges; and tourism and transportation.

The two delegations clearly showed their goodwill and common interest in seeking concrete projects that might be implemented over the short term and the longer term.

Given the geographic proximity and the many areas of common interest, the two delegations emphasized the mutual benefits that could arise from cooperative efforts.

With respect to economic development generally, the delegation from Newfoundland and Labrador will approach provincial industry associations and the 20 Regional Economic Development Boards concerning the advantages that may be obtained in using St. Pierre for purposes of transshipment and customs clearance of products destined for metropolitan France and the European Union.

The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation have already invited their partners from St. Pierre et Miquelon to meet with industry representatives in the near future.

Moreover, further mutual consideration will be given to improving maritime transportation links with the aim of facilitating exports from Newfoundland and Labrador and St. Pierre et Miquelon to the European Union and other destinations.

St. Pierre et Miquelon outlined the advantages that might be availed of by industry by using their special status in the European Union with respect to products to which value has been added in St. Pierre et Miquelon.

A complete list of these products has been provided to the delegation from Newfoundland and Labrador in order to allow the assessment of opportunities by commercial interests.

The delegations were very pleased with the success achieved to date in the aquaculture sector. In fact, the installation of a scallop industry in Miquelon was to a large extent facilitated with the technical assistance of specialists from Newfoundland and Labrador. This level of cooperation will continue in the future.

The two delegations have expressed interest in cooperatively pursuing a variety of projects related to tourism promotion:

• the creation of discovery tours of Newfoundland and Labrador and St. Pierre et Miquelon;
  
• the development of cruises using vessels based in St. Pierre et Miquelon (i.e. le Levant);
  
• highlight common cultural and historic heritage.

The steering committee places great importance on cultural, educational and sporting activities in the development of exchanges between St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland and Labrador.

It was decided to jointly pursue and reinforce relationships wherever possible, particularly in the areas of language training, distance education, radio and television, the written press, and to develop exchanges among school, sports, arts and theatre groups.

The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation will pursue the necessary contacts with appropriate government departments and interests groups relating to the realization of these joint initiatives.

In particular, with respect to cultural matters, the two delegations recognized the complementary nature of the activities being undertaken by the Francoforum and the Frecker Institute of Memorial University. These efforts have been most productive and can be enhanced in the future. The Francoforum has been recognized as a tremendous asset by the delegates from Newfoundland and Labrador.

The delegations stressed that this meeting represented the inaugural planning session between the parties. Follow-up meetings over the weeks and months ahead are planned to aggressively pursue the many opportunities identified to promote stronger economic and cultural relations between St. Pierre et Miquelon and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Contact: Susan Laite, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4570.