June 11, 1999
(Environment and Labour)

Minister leads trade mission to Cuba:  Local environmental companies 
optimistic about opportunities in Latin America

Oliver Langdon, Minister of Environment and Labour, will be part of a Newfoundland delegation attending the Second International Convention on Environment and Development from June 14-18, 1999. In addition to the minister, the delegation includes the Director of Industry Support for the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, the Director of Communications for the Department of Environment and Labour, the Newfoundland Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) and eight member companies of NEIA.

During the convention, local environmental companies will showcase their technology and services at a number of workshops. In addition, there will be a series of individual meetings with international firms. If the meetings are successful, companies will aim to sign key strategic alliance agreements and contracts.

Minister Langdon stated that the trade mission to Havana, Cuba presents tremendous opportunities for local environmental companies. "Not only will this convention and trade show provide opportunities in Cuba, but we hope it will open doors in many other Latin American countries. The types of environmental problems that face countries in that part of the world are similar to those we face here," said Minister Langdon. The eight local companies that are attending this convention specialize in areas such as waste water treatment, oil spill response and shoreline cleanup, environmental analysis, systems technology, environmental engineering and resource planning. Minister Langdon stated: "I believe our companies are very well positioned to meet the environmental challenges that face countries like Cuba. I am confident that this trade mission will be successful and will result in very positive alliances for our companies."

The convention is anticipated to attract 1700 international delegates, largely from South America, the Caribbean, Mexico and western Europe. NEIA companies regard this as a major opportunity to market their capabilities to parts of the world that have significant environmental needs and projects.

Media contact: Sean Kelly, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

1999 06 11         2:10 p.m.