Trade mission to Iceland departs tomorrow

A delegation of Newfoundland and Labrador companies will depart St. John's tomorrow for a trade mission to Iceland which will take place from October 12-18, 2001. MHA George Sweeney, Parliamentary Secretary to Minister Beaton Tulk for Information and Advanced Technologies, will accompany the delegation on the trade mission, which is organized by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

"Newfoundland and Labrador shares a common heritage with its neighbours in Iceland," said Mr. Sweeney. "This trade mission will enable us to strengthen this relationship, create new opportunities and increase trade between our two regions."

The delegation includes companies representing a variety of sectors including tourism, transportation and cultural industries. The companies are: Northstar Technical Inc., St. John's; RPM - Rebuilt Pumps and Motors Limited, Carbonear; St. Anthony Basin Resources Inc., St. Anthony; Cole Freight Inc., Mount Pearl; Dive Adventures Network and City and Outport Adventures Limited, St. John's; and Morag Productions, St. John's.

The mission agenda will consist of pre-arranged meetings and other events to help companies explore potential opportunities and partnerships.

Last September, a delegation of 23 Iceland companies participated in a trade mission to Newfoundland and Labrador. During that visit, the Trade Council of Iceland announced the opening of a trade office in Newfoundland to facilitate trade between Iceland and Newfoundland and Labrador companies.

"This trade mission to Iceland is just another example of how government is playing a more prominent role in developing international trade and investment opportunities," said Mr. Sweeney. "It is one of our initiatives to fulfill our Jobs and Growth commitment to give greater attention to trade and export development as a means of creating new jobs and diversifying our economy."

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

2001 10 10                            4:35 p.m.