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November 21, 1997
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Minister leads delegation to Iceland

Minister Judy Foote will lead a delegation of seven local companies on a trade mission to Iceland from November 22-28. The trip is designed to facilitate business development opportunities between Icelandic companies and businesses in Newfoundland and Labrador. The seven Newfoundland companies that have representatives participating in the mission include: Nautical Data International, Hi-Rise Maintenance and Construction, Classic Woodwork Ltd., International Communications and Navigation, Nu-Way Kitchens, Newfoundland Containers Ltd., and Lotek Marine Technologies Inc. A representative from the Alliance of Exporters and Manufacturers of Newfoundland will also be participating in the mission.

The mission follows a visit last month by Kristbjorg Agustsdottir, Hon. Vice Consul for the Canadian Consulate General office in Reykjavik, Iceland. During her visit, Ms. Agustsdottir provided a presentation to the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters of Newfoundland, the Newfoundland Oceans Industries Association, the Newfoundland Alliance of Technical Industries, and the Newfoundland Environmental Industries Association. She also held one-on-one meetings with 15 local companies. Ms. Foote said: "If we are to diversify our economy, we must continue to look outside of the province for new opportunities. This mission is an important part of our strategy to assist companies in pursuing export opportunities in the global marketplace. Based on the meetings that have been held thus far, Iceland has been identified as an area where we believe there is potential for establishing strong business relationships."

Highlights of the Iceland mission include participation in meetings with Icelandic companies, meetings with the Trade and Agriculture Ministers to discuss trade and transportation issues, a meeting with officials of Eimskip (Iceland Steamship Company), a visit to an aluminum smelter, scheduled interviews with the Icelandic media. Ms. Foote will also use an address to the Icelandic North American Chamber of Commerce to profile the province and promote the results of the recent KPMG study that placed St. John's as the lowest-cost location for business among 42 jurisdictions in Canada, the United States and Europe.

At the completion of the Iceland mission, Minister Foote will travel to Ireland for scheduled meetings with government officials including her counterpart, Mary Harney, Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and Tanaiste (Deputy Prime Minister), Kieran McGowan, Executive Director of the Irish Development Authority, who visited the province last month, and Michael Phillips, the Canadian Ambassador to Ireland. Ms. Foote will also meet with industry, union and media representatives.

Contact: John Doody, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0050.