Republic of Ireland announces establishment of Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnerships to manage Memorandum of Understanding between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador

The Government of the Republic of Ireland announced today the establishment of Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnerships to manage the memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador. 

"The establishment of Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnerships to manage the MOU between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland is a significant strategic development which demonstrates a strong commitment on behalf of the Government of the Republic of Ireland," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Beaton Tulk. 

In November 1996, the Newfoundland and Labrador government entered into an MOU with the Government of the Republic of Ireland to facilitate trade between the respective regions. Approximately one year later, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador appointed an executive committee chaired by Mr. Vince Withers, with representation from key business leaders from the private sector and senior officials from government. The name of the St. John's-based organization is Ireland Business Partnerships. 

Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnerships is the counterpart to Ireland Business Partnerships. Mr. Noel Treacy, T.D., Minister for Science and Technology for the Republic of Ireland, will chair the Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnerships. Similar to the board of directors here in St. John's, it will also include representation from both the private and public sectors.

"We anticipate the development of a strong, successful relationship between Ireland Business Partnerships and its counterpart in Ireland with a defined focus on trade and business development," said Minister Tulk. "Newfoundland and Labrador values its relationship with the Republic of Ireland and remains committed to the success of the MOU between our two regions."

The MOU has already resulted in several business ventures and agreements. Examples include: 

• joint venture between Construction Management Technologies of Newfoundland and Butler Manufacturing of Ireland to establish a manufacturing facility for the Butler system (self contained environmentally friendly sewage treatment unit) in Newfoundland;
• strategic alliance between ConAqua of Newfoundland and Bantry Bay Mussels of Ireland to pursue opportunities in the aquaculture and secondary processing of mussels;
• co-production of two significant film industry projects -- "Random Passage" and "Sonny-The Irish Tour."

"We are pleased and encouraged by the announcement in Ireland today and believe that Newfoundland and Labrador Business Partnerships will continue to foster successful business partnerships and agreements between our two regions," said Minister Tulk.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, (709) 729-4570.

2001 04 24                                   4:00 p.m.