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Premier calls on South Korea to open its markets to seal meat

Premier Brian Tobin is calling on South Korea to open its market for the sale of seal meat. Today, in meetings with the President and the Minister of Commerce as a part of the Team Canada trade mission, the premier called on South Korea to lift its restrictions on the sale of seal meat in that country.

The premier pointed out that seal meat is now being sold in China and should also be available for sale in South Korea. Newfoundland companies selling seal meat have been unable to gain access to the South Korean market because of government restrictions on imports.

"Seal herds are now very large and we have greatly increased the seal harvest," said Mr. Tobin. "We need to open up new markets, like South Korea, to ensure that we can sell all that we can harvest and get a better return for our sealers."

While in South Korea, Premier Tobin will also be launching an immigrant investor fund that will raise up to $35 million from qualified immigrants for investment in the province. These funds will be used for public-private partnering arrangements, particularly for infrastructure projects.

As well, while in South Korea, the premier will promote sales of advanced technology by two provincial firms: Canpolar East, which is marketing camera technology now being used on the U.S. space shuttle, and Nautical Data International, which is marketing its expertise in the preparation of electronic hydrographic charts.

The premier will also assist Rodrigues Markland Cottage Winery in the promotion of its wines made from blueberries and partridge berries. Finally, the premier will be assisting Fibreglass Works Ltd. of Centerville in market development for its line of small and medium-size recreational and commercial boats.

The premier will continue with the Team Canada trade mission to the Philippines and Thailand following South Korea.

Contact: Cathy Doran, Director of Communications, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3564.