October 12, 1999
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Canadian Ambassador to Chile visiting province

Yesterday, Canada's Ambassador to Chile, Lawrence Lederman, arrived in Gander to kick off a four-day visit to Newfoundland and Labrador. The purpose of the visit is to meet with companies in the province to gather more in-depth knowledge of their operations, and to use this information to promote increased trade with Chile.

"I am extremely pleased to have Ambassador Lederman visiting our province," said Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly. "Chile represents an important market for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses, and Ambassador Lederman's visit will enable us to solidify current business relationships, and to explore future beneficial linkages."

The ambassador is here at the invitation of the provincial government, and is touring Newfoundland and Labrador, and the other Atlantic provinces, as part of an Outreach Tour to meet with companies interested in Chile. During his visit, the ambassador will meet with a number of Newfoundland and Labrador businesses, and will visit several of the province's Centres of Excellence. Tours of Memorial University of Newfoundland, C-CORE, National Research Council facilities, the Fisheries and Marine Institute, and the Ocean Sciences Centre have been planned.

Ambassador Lederman departs Gander later today, and will be in St. John's on Wednesday and Thursday. While in the province, he will also be attending a number of official events, including a dinner hosted by Minister Kelly in Gander this evening. Development and Rural Renewal Minister Beaton Tulk will also be in attendance, in addition to a number of other special guests.

The provincial government, along with local companies and organizations, has participated in three missions to Chile. The first was in 1996 and the second was the Trade Team Canada Mission to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile in 1998. Following the 1998 mission, Genesis Organic of Corner Brook and Highland Homes/Cottles Island Lumber of Cottlesville both initiated business in Chile. The most recent trade mission to Chile was led by Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly in March of this year. As a result of this latest mission, INNOVA Multimedia, a Stephenville company, initiated a deal to provide its educational software to the Chilean market. In addition, Superior Waterproof Coatings of Gander is actively pursuing new opportunities that came as a result of participation in the trade mission.

"Newfoundland and Labrador has been consistently developing our trade relationship with Chile, which has resulted in a number of successful deals and partnerships over the last few years. Ambassador Lederman's visit clearly indicates Chile's interest in looking for ways to enhance our developing trade relationship," said Minister Kelly.

Media contact: Jackie Simon, Director of Communications, (709) 729-0050.

1999 10 12 9:30 a.m.