January 9,1998
(Executive Council)

Number of provincial participants in Trade Team Canada doubles

Premier Brian Tobin announced today that there will be 13 companies and organizations participating in the Team Canada 1998 initiative, scheduled to take place from January 11 - 23.

The following companies and organizations from Newfoundland and Labrador have confirmed their participation in the mission: Abbacom Logic, A. J. Maritime, FGA Consulting Engineers, MNC Group, Genesis Organic, Open Learning and Information Network, Conpro Group Ltd., Memorial University of Newfoundland, College of the North Atlantic, Computer Advanced Systems, Highland Homes/Cottles Island Lumber, TETRA, and Pamzo Enterprises.

Premier Tobin will join Prime Minister Chretien, nine premiers, two territorial leaders and representatives from over 250 companies on the mission that will take them to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile.

Premier Tobin said that the high level of interest in this year's mission demonstrates that Newfoundland and Labrador companies are actively pursuing opportunities in the global marketplace.

"This year's delegation has more than doubled from last year's trip to Asia," said the Premier. "In fact, Newfoundland and Labrador has the largest business delegation of any Atlantic province. Many of our companies have already done business in South America and several will be signing contracts for new business, while others will be participating in the development of joint venture and partnering agreements."

The mission to Latin America represents a unique opportunity for Canadian businesses. Canadian companies benefit from preferential access to Mexico and Chile through the North American Free Trade Agreement and the Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement. Closer trade links are also being explored with South America's predominant trade group, Mercosur, which includes Brazil and Argentina. In addition, it is anticipated that the start of negotiations on a hemisphere-wide free trade area will be announced in the spring of 1998.

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3564.