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September 24, 1999
(Executive Council)


Irish business delegation to visit province

From September 25-29, Newfoundland and Labrador will host its first official trade and technology mission from the Republic of Ireland.

The mission will be lead by Minister Tom Kitt T.D., the Minister for International Trade, and includes some 44 individuals, representing 30 companies and organizations. The Irish Ambassador to Canada, Paul Dempsey will also join the delegation.

"I am extremely pleased to welcome this substantial Irish delegation to Newfoundland and Labrador," said Premier Tobin. "This trade mission is a key opportunity for us to continue with work under our memorandum of understanding with Ireland, and to build on the successes of our trade mission to that country last April."

Companies participating from Ireland represent environmental, information technology, tourism, and manufacturing industries. The mission, one of the largest ever to leave Ireland, was organized by the Ireland Business Partnerships( IBP) of St. John's in cooperation with the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, and Enterprise Ireland, a state-owned economic development agency in Ireland.

To date, approximately 150 meetings with Newfoundland and Labrador companies have been organized for the delegation. A number of networking sessions, including a reception hosted by Premier Tobin and a St. John's Board of Trade luncheon, have also been planned.

The purpose of the mission is to give Irish companies the opportunity to explore the potential of partnering with Newfoundland and Labrador firms, and to access new markets. The mission will also showcase Newfoundland and Labrador's strengths in a number of key industries, particularly in the marine sector. These opportunities are further enhanced by the MOU and the strong linkages with Ireland established through IBP's network.

IBP is a public/private partnership between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and the private sector. Using its strategic partners and well established contacts in Ireland, IBP's mandate is to develop and foster economic opportunities between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador stemming from the memorandum of understanding (MOU) that was signed in 1996.

"With its similar culture, language and business style, Ireland offers a gateway for Newfoundland and Labrador companies through strategic alliances with Irish companies, to access the large European market," said Premier Tobin. "I look forward to seeing many new partnerships develop as a result of this mission."

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

1999 09 24                     1:10 p.m.


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