The following is being distributed at the request of the Alliance of Manufactures and Exporters Newfoundland:

St. John's listed as one of top cities in Canada for exporting

St. John's has been given an Honourable Mention in the Globe and Mail Report on Business Magazine's annual Best Cities issue in 1997. The survey, which assessed export attitude in cities that have companies with demonstrated export success within the past three to five years, also reviewed historical reliance on exports and which sectors are growing and why.

Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, said she is pleased that the capital city is getting recognition that is well-deserved. She said:"Exporting is a key factor to developing a healthy economy because it brings new money into the province. We are pleased that we have been recognized nationally and it helps when we try to attract investment here from abroad. It demonstrates to companies that are considering relocation or expansion that they can do business in Newfoundland and Labrador just as easy as they can in other jurisdictions."

Mayor John Murphy said: "I am delighted that St. John's has received an Honourable Mention in a national business magazine. As a port city, we have traditionally relied on exporting as a strong contributor to the local economy. We must continue to build our export strengths that have developed primarily as a result of our exports in the marine and high technology sectors."

Lorne Janes, Chairman of Alliance of Manufactures and Exporters Newfoundland, said: "One of Newfoundland's best kept secrets is maybe finally being exposed, the Newfoundland Manufacturing and Exporting Industry has always been and continues to be a major economic stimulus for the province. Annually, providing in excess of $2 billion to the Newfoundland economy and providing over 20,000 skilled jobs to the Newfoundland workforce. It is rewarding to see that the products from our skilled workforce are finally being recognized nationally.

Contact: Lorne Janes, Chairman of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters, (709) 782-8844 or John Doody, Director of Communications, Industry, Trade and Technology (709) 729-0050.