News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  


May 1, 1998
(Executive Council)


Premier to led largest delegation ever to Offshore Technology Conference

Premier Brian Tobin will lead a delegation of 57 businesses and organizations, the largest ever, to the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston, Texas which begins on Monday, May 4 and runs until May 7. Premier Tobin will be accompanied by Charles Furey, Minister of Mines and Energy.

"There has been a tremendous growth taking place in our oil and gas industry. Hibernia is progressing very well, the Bull Arm site has been re-activated for Terra Nova work, and there are plans for continued exploration off the Grand Banks. Further evidence of this growth is the level of participation by our local companies," said the premier.

While in Houston, the premier will promote opportunities in the province through meetings with key players from the world's oil and gas sector. He will also participate in a news conference in which he will highlight for international media representatives the activity that is taking place in Newfoundland and Labrador and the potential for future development of the province's offshore and onshore petroleum industry.

Premier Tobin will also use this opportunity to attract the interest of potential investors by promoting the KPMG study. He will do this in a joint meeting of the International Development Research Council and the Greater Houston Partnership, where top executives and CEO's of major companies will be in attendance. The KPMG study named St. John's as the lowest cost location for conducting business among 42 cities in North America and western Europe.

"Newfoundland and Labrador is quickly developing a solid reputation among the key players in the oil and gas industry as an area with great potential. The success of Hibernia, the ongoing development of Terra Nova and plans to expedite the development of White Rose have spurred interest in our province from all corners of the globe. The Offshore Technology Conference is one of the venues government uses to promote the capabilities and expertise resident in our province," said Premier Tobin.

Over 1,800 booths, and exhibitors from over 80 countries and an estimated 50,000 visitors are expected to attend the exhibition, promoting everything from equipment for servicing oil rigs to new ways to identify natural resources. Each of the Newfoundland and Labrador participants will have the opportunity to showcase their strengths, network with possible joint venture partners and develop crucial business contacts. Several of the businesses from this province will sign deals at the conference, the details of which will be made public by the businesses involved.

Premier Tobin added: "Our high level of participation in this international conference is an indication that our companies are experiencing success and are well-positioned to reap the benefits associated with the growth of this industry now and into the future."

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3564

1998 05 01 2:20 p.m.

SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement