NLIS 4
May 19, 2000
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Minister proclaims Export Week for province

The week of May 23-26, 2000 has officially been declared as Export Week in Newfoundland and Labrador, in recognition of the value and importance exporting plays in the provincial economy.

"Exporting has long been recognized as a way for companies in our province to realize new opportunities and to expand business growth," noted Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra C. Kelly. "Next week, we have a number of activities planned to celebrate our export successes, to encourage businesses to export and to provide information on opportunities in international markets."

In conjunction with the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador, the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology will be involved in various export-related events throughout the week. Pierre Pettigrew, federal Minister of International Trade, will be the luncheon speaker at a workshop on Wednesday, May 24 regarding Exporting to the United States. This is a joint initiative of the Alliance and the International Trade Centre, Industry Canada, and is taking place at Hotel Newfoundland from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will focus on four sub-regions, Atlanta, Detroit, Dallas, and Los Angeles.

Also on May 24, the Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards will be presented to four provincial companies by Minister Kelly, Lorne Janes, chairman of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador, and Minister Pettigrew. The awards serve to highlight successful exporters in the province, and encourage companies not currently exporting to consider the benefits and advantages of moving into international markets. They will be held from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. at the Hotel Newfoundland.

The Manufacturers� Conference and Trade show is scheduled for May 25 - 27. The conference is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 25 at the Hotel Newfoundland. The theme this year is Adoption of Best Practices, and it will feature presentations and sessions on world class manufacturing, e-business, competitive analysis through benchmarking, and becoming an agile manufacturer. The Manufactured Right Here Exhibition, which is now in its 10^th year, is taking place on May 26 and 27 at the St. John's Curling Club. Approximately 90 exhibitors and 9,000 visitors are expected over the two days, and the event will run from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on both days.

"Last year, our province�s exports increased by 13.1 per cent to a record of $5.7 billion, and we have the potential to increase this amount by becoming more competitive," said Lorne Janes, chairman of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador. "Export Week is an excellent opportunity to showcase our exporting companies, to highlight local capabilities and to encourage continued export growth in Newfoundland and Labrador."

Media contact:

Jacqueline Simon
Director of Communications
Industry, Trade and Technology
(709) 729-0050

Sean McCarthy
Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters
(709) 772-3682

2000 05 19                                                 11:40 a.m.