January 13, 1998
(Executive Council)

Newfoundland and Labrador delegation busy during 1998 Team Canada Trade Mission

The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation was quick off the mark today during the 1998 Team Canada Trade Mission to South America, signing its first two business agreements in Mexico City.

Premier Brian Tobin signed a Memorandum of Understanding today on behalf of the province with Carlos Gutierrez Ruiz, National President of CANACINTRA, the Association of Industry in Mexico that represents more than 30,000 member companies from the manufacturing, oil and gas and services sectors. The agreement is designed to promote industrial cooperation, technology transfer and investment among local industry sectors in both geographical locations.

Premier Tobin said: "Companies must establish international business partnerships in order to pursue the growing number of opportunities that exist beyond their respective borders. This agreement can facilitate business relationships between CANACINTRA members and companies from Newfoundland and Labrador, which have demonstrated that they can compete and succeed anywhere in the world."

Mr. Ruiz said: "By signing this Memorandum of Understanding today, we are expressing a keen interest in strengthening the commercial relations of the respective economies. With today's global marketplace developing at such a rapid pace, the growth potential for both areas signing this agreement is tremendous. We believe that this potential can be realized by working together through this agreement."

The National Chamber of the Transformation Industry of Mexico, CANACINTRA was created in 1941 as a response to the need of a national entity the could incorporate a vast number of manufacturing sectors of the Mexican economy. The major efforts of this huge industry assocation have been oriented towards the stimulation of the manufacturing sector and the promotion of exports. CANACINTRA also has a firm commitment to expand the industrialization of Mexico, looking to the integration of new technologies to benefit its associate members. To accomplish this, they are interested in working with companies that offer high technology and training programs to upgrade and modernize present capabilities in Mexico.

Meanwhile, a private sector agreement will be signed at a ceremony later today. PAMZO Enterprises, a local manufacturer of environmentally-friendly cleaning products, will sign a letter of intent today to confirm the sale of a large order of detergent to a Mexican company.

Cec Rowe, President of PAMZO Enterprises, who will sign the document today at a ceremony with officials of Industrias J.L.C. S.A. of Mexico, said that there is a strong demand for his products in Mexico. He said: "The minimum objective is to sell two 20ft container loads of LESSPAK concentrated dry type detergent. I am extremely pleased to sign this agreement today and I believe it is the beginning of significant business opportunities for our company in Mexico and South America."

Premier Brian Tobin said that Trade Team Canada is not focused solely on large, multi-national corporations. "This company represents the potential of many of the smaller, innovative companies in Newfoundland and Labrador that can be selling products in the global marketplace. There are many small to medium-sized enterprises participating in this mission, like PAMZO Enterprises, that are offering unique and competitive products and services in today's competitive marketplace."

LESSPAK detergents have an advantage over liquid concentrates because water has been removed. A case of LESSPAK all-purpose detergent will produce up to 7,274 litres (1,600 gallons) weighing only 12 lbs., providing a product with significantly reduced shipping and warehousing costs. PAMZO Enterprises is currently selling to distributors in Canada with a new focus on the export market, particularly to areas such as Cuba, Caribbean countries, Chile and Mexico.

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3960 or John Doody, (709) 729-0050.