NLIS 5
April 6, 2000
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

The following statement was issued today by Sandra Kelly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

As honourable members will recall, a few weeks ago I announced that my department, along with companies from across Newfoundland and Labrador, would be participating in several trade initiatives. Today, I am pleased to update honourable members on some preliminary results from these initiatives.

Companies which participate in these types of events know that it often takes months, if not longer, to finalize deals. However, these initiatives enable our companies to make valuable industry contacts, and to obtain strong leads for potential deals. It also gives us an opportunity to promote the capabilities of our companies to international audiences.

I am pleased to report that, in total, 19 companies and organizations attended Globe 2000, BIO 2000 and New England Food Service Promotion 2000, and have all stated that these events were very beneficial.

Participants at Globe 2000 have told us that this event enabled them to meet qualified international distributors, to compare their technology with that of other companies, and to develop a number of strong leads for future sales in Canada and around the world.

In addition, our biotechnology sector witnessed several developments at BIO 2000. During the conference, I attended a meeting which took place between Terra Nova Biotechnology of St. John�s and Omega Pharmaceuticals of New Jersey to discuss further business arrangements between the two companies.

During BIO 2000, I had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Carl Feldbaum, president of the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), who is very influential in the international biotechnology sector. Mr. Feldbaum expressed an interest in coming to Newfoundland and Labrador to see first-hand our marine biotechnology infrastructure. Since returning from BIO 2000, I have extended a formal invitation to Mr. Feldbaum, and I expect him to visit our province this summer.

Also during BIO 2000 I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Martin Godbout, one of the founders of Genome Canada, which is funded by the federal government. Genome Canada will be establishing five centres located in Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, the prairies and British Columbia to provide laboratory facilities for researchers from universities, government and the private sector. During the meeting with Dr. Godbout, we discussed the concept of Genome Canada, and his commitment to ensuring that our province receives its fair share of the research funding.

Finally, the New England Food Service Promotion 2000 proved to be very productive for our companies. In particular, Cabot Caprine Cooperative of Bonavista, producers of grade �A� goat cheese under the Lands End Farms brand name, reported a successful trip. Renowned Chef Stefan Czapalay, who prepared an exquisite meal during the event, was very impressed with the Lands End Farms goat cheese and has agreed to serve it on his menu in the upcoming season. Cabot Caprine Cooperative also anticipates having its products in the New England market later this year.

These initiatives play an important role in building a presence in national and international markets for our local companies. I look forward to reporting results from these and other trade initiatives.

2000 04 06                                                             2:10 p.m.