Minister to lead business delegation to Ireland

Industry, Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly will lead a business delegation of 23 companies and organizations to Ireland next week. The purpose of the trip is to identify and explore business opportunities, to exchange information on best practices for economic development, and to strengthen the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two governments.

The mission, which will take place from October 7-13, is being organized by Ireland Business Partnerships and the St. John�s Board of Trade with assistance from Enterprise Ireland, the Taoiseach�s (Prime Minister of Ireland) Office, the Industrial Development Authority of Ireland and the Canadian Embassy, among others. This business mission follows a successful visit to Ireland in April 1999. Ireland had its first mission to Newfoundland and Labrador in September 1999, which was led by Tom Kitt, Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs.

"The strong historical connections that Newfoundland and Labrador has with Ireland has helped us to build on the business and cultural relationship that we enjoy today," noted Minister Kelly. "This trade mission will enable us to strengthen this relationship, build on past successes, create new opportunities and increase trade between our two regions."

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Government of the Republic of Ireland in 1996. It is a formal arrangement between both governments to pursue activities that help to develop close cooperation and enhanced awareness between respective business, industry and cultural sectors, primarily in business venture and related technology transfer.

A list of the delegation follows.

Media contact: Jacqueline Simon, Communications, (709) 729-0050.

Business Mission to Ireland Delegation List

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