NOTE TO EDITORS:

Industry Minister Tobin and four provinces to announce funding for international business development

The media are invited to a news conference in Halifax where Brian Tobin, Minister of Industry, and representatives of the four Atlantic provinces will announce funding for international business development in Atlantic Canada.

Other dignitaries expected to take part in the announcement include:

• Robert Thibault, Minister of State for Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
• Peter Mesheau, Minister of Investment and Exports for New Brunswick
• Gordon Balser, Minister of Economic Development for Nova Scotia
• Michael Currie, Minister of Development and Technology for Prince Edward Island
• Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development for Newfoundland and Labrador
• Tom Lush, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Government House Leader for Newfoundland and Labrador

A reception will follow the news conference.

Date:                Friday, March 30
Place:               Highland Suite 6, World Trade and Convention Centre
1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia
Time:                News conference             11:00 a.m.
                        Reception                       12:00 p.m..

Representatives from two regional companies will also be on hand to share their export success stories with the media. Facts sheets and company success stories will be provided.

Keith Longmeyer, Owner, Over the Mountain Designs, Hillsburn, Nova Scotia
Steve Pomroy, Plato Group, St. John�s, Newfoundland

For further information on this event, please contact Diana Zandberg, Communications Officer, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency at (506) 851-2132.

2001 02 28                                            1:40 p.m.