Eight Newfoundland youths among those representing 
the country on Junior Team Canada Trade Mission

Eight Newfoundland students have won the right to represent the province at the Junior Team Canada Trade Mission to Southeast Asia this summer.

The students are: Dave Godsell, Marystown; Matthew Norris, St. John�s; Desmond R. Montague, North West River; Justin P. Miles, St. Theresa�s; David Feavor, Corner Brook; Darren Jason Durdle, Grand Falls-Windsor; Diana Cose, St. John�s; and Sarah Austin, St. John�s. These students were chosen for the trade mission after participating in the Junior Team Canada Training Centre at Memorial University of Newfoundland in May of this year.

The Junior Team Canada Trade Mission is organized by Global Vision, a national not-for-profit group dedicated to educating young Canadians about the importance of trade in Canada�s ability to compete in the global marketplace. Funding for the Junior Team Canada Training Centre was provided by the Canada-Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement which is administered by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and the Departments of Industry, Trade, and Technology and Development and Rural Renewal. The local delegation participanting in the trade mission is being funded by over 50 sponsors from within the business community.

Each participant will represent different sectors of the Newfoundland and Labrador economy which are relevant to the economy of Southeast Asia. Participants will explore linkages between the two countries� information technology, telecommunications, natural resources, oil and petroleum, agriculture, aquaculture, fishery and manufacturing, financial services, and tourism sectors. For example, crude oil is an expanding industry in Newfoundland and Labrador and it is a major import in Malaysia; Newfoundland and Labrador has been building on its IT capabilities for some time, whereas this sector is only starting to develop in Southeast Asia.

Matthew Norris, a 20 year old Memorial University of Newfoundland student, is a participant representing the information technology, financial services, and oil and petroleum sectors. He is eager to take full advantage of the opportunities ahead.

"On this trade mission I plan to learn ideas and concepts that I have yet to imagine," said Norris. "And I am confident this will be achieved."

"ACOA is pleased to support youth in their efforts to explore the global economy," said George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for ACOA. "International trade is key to a successful economy. Introducing these students to the global economy will provide them with a better understanding of Newfoundland and Labrador�s role in the world market."

Last week, Minister Kelly presented cheques for $1,000 to each of the students to assist with costs associated with participating in the mission. Noting the importance of these types of opportunities for young people, she commented: "This trade mission really has a two-fold purpose. First of all, these eight young people will be acting as ambassadors on behalf of our province, and will help us to promote business opportunities in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will also provide them with incredible business experience that will help them as they plan their careers."

"This event gives our province a chance to show its leadership in various sectors of the economy," said Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. "And of course we are promoting our most important resource, our youth. This international event will give them the chance to see up close how the global economy works."

The mission begins on August 3. The participants will travel through the Philippines and Malaysia until August 22, when they return to Canada.

Media contact:

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

Josephine Cheeseman
Department of Development and Rural Renewal
(709) 729-4570

Doug Burgess
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(709) 772-2935

2000 08 03                                   2:25 p.m.