NLIS 3
May 15, 2001
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

Five companies participating in trade mission to Boston

Five companies are in Boston today to begin a five-day trade mission, another in a series of ongoing business development initiatives organized by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development under its New England Trade and Investment Strategy.

"Our goal is to assist Newfoundland and Labrador companies enhance their trade ties with the New England states, as well as help New England companies establish a presence in Newfoundland or Labrador," said Industry, Trade and Rural Development Minister Beaton Tulk.

Since the New England Trade and Investment Strategy was developed in 1999, more than 80 companies have participated in a variety of export development initiatives, highlighted by trade missions to the New England area. As a result of these initiatives, 12 companies have begun doing business in New England for the first time. 

Companies participating in this week's mission are: 

• Applied Preservation Technology, St. John's, a biotechnology company established to develop high value extracts from marine sources for products in the medical, pharmaceutical and nutraceutical markets.
  

• NewTech Instruments, St. John's, a member of the AMI Group of Companies, is a manufacturer of electronic and electro-mechanical assemblies and an integrator of telecommunications equipment in environmentally secure enclosures. 
  

• PHB Group, St. John's, an architectural firm.
  

• Quidi Vidi Brewing Company, a Newfoundland owned micro-brewery operating a state-of-the-art brewhouse in St. John's.
  

• Rodrigues Winery, Markland, a kosher certified producer of exotique dessert wines made from wild berries. 

Minister Tulk says missions such as this one are important to Newfoundland and Labrador companies looking to grow their business, especially in the New England region. "These missions give local businesses an opportunity to explore business prospects in the Eastern United States and open doors to potential business partnerships," said Minister Tulk. "It is especially beneficial for our small and medium sized companies that may not be able to open these doors themselves." 

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

2001 05 15                                      10:35 a.m.