April 30, 1999
(Executive Council)

Premier Brian Tobin will lead a delegation of close to 80 representatives from 48 Newfoundland and Labrador companies to the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston next week. The OTC, which is the world's biggest offshore exploration and production technology event, is a forum for examining the issues and opportunities facing professionals involved in offshore resource development. Also participating will be Minister of Mines and Energy Roger Grimes and departmental officials, as well as representatives from the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, the Canada-Newfoundland Offshore Petroleum Board, the Bull Arm Site Corporation and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

During the conference, which runs from May 3-6, Premier Tobin will hold a news conference in conjunction with Nova Scotia Premier Russell MacLellan at the exhibition site (Astrohall). While in Houston, the premier has also been invited to address the Houston World Affairs Council, an organization that encourages a broad understanding of global issues by offering current information to members through luncheons, discussions, lectures and forums.

While at the Offshore Technology Conference, the delegation will have the opportunity to showcase the achievements of Newfoundland and Labrador's growing oil and gas industry to a large audience of industry representatives from around the world.

Media contact: Heidi Bonnell, Premier's Office, (709) 729-3960.

1999 04 30                           3:20 p.m.