September 16, 1999
(Executive Council)

Provincial company signs MOU during Team Canada 1999

AMI Nutrition, a subsidiary of St. John's company Atlantis Marine Inc., has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Fields Inc. of Japan. Both Premier Brian Tobin and Prime Minister Jean Chretien witnessed the signing, which took place yesterday in Tokyo during the Team Canada 1999 trade mission.

"Two of the key factors that led to this signing include a quality product developed in Newfoundland and Labrador, and an entrepreneurial spirit within AMI Nutrition," said Premier Tobin. "Trade missions such as Team Canada 1999 provide Newfoundland and Labrador companies with an excellent venue to develop contacts and alliances to promote products and services to new markets."

AMI Nutrition produces a superior form of Omega 3 health supplements, which it will now be able to market to the Japanese. Through the MOU, the two companies will work together to finalize arrangements to have Fields Inc. act as AMI Nutrition's marketing and sales agent in Japan.

Mark Collett, director of marketing with AMI Nutrition, was present during the signing. "This agreement is a major step forward in our efforts to provide our products to the burgeoning Japanese health supplements market," said Collett.

Premier Tobin congratulated AMI Nutrition and Mr. Collett on signing the MOU, and commended them for their efforts to develop the product and invest resources to reach international markets. "This is the latest example of how Newfoundland and Labrador companies continue to conquer world markets with qualified people, and quality products and services," Premier Tobin concluded.

Other provincial companies participating in Team Canada 1999 include Grand Atlantic Seafoods Inc., Aliant Inc., Miki Enterprises Inc., Coast of Bays Corporation, Information Services Inc., Open Learning Information Network, and Bae-Newplan Group Ltd. The Newfoundland and Labrador delegation is the largest of all the Atlantic Canadian provinces, and will return when the mission concludes on September 18.

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

1999 09 16              12:30 p.m.