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NLIS 4 May 26, 2003 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Export Development Days launched in St. John�s Judy Foote, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, Glenn Mifflin, an executive member with Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) - Newfoundland and Labrador Division, on behalf of chair John Patten, and Karen Skinner, Acting Director General of Program Development and Delivery from Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) on behalf of Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for ACOA, officially launched Export Development Days today in St. John�s. Export Development Days, which takes place from May 26-30, 2003, is a celebration of exporting and the role it plays in the economic and business growth of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Newfoundland and Labrador has made great strides in increasing our exports in recent years, and there are numerous opportunities to further develop international trade," said Minister Byrne. "ACOA is pleased to support Export Development Days, which promotes the benefits of trade, showcases some of our province�s most successful exporters and helps increase the export knowledge of local entrepreneurs." The objectives of Export Development Days are to increase public and private sector awareness of the benefits of exporting to the economy of the province, export related opportunities, and to celebrate export success stories. The province�s exports have more than tripled since 1992, growing from $2.8 billion to an estimated $9.7 billion in 2002. "Exporting is of critical importance to the growth and development of Newfoundland and Labrador�s economy," said Minister Foote. "Export Development Days is an opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of our exporters, but to also educate companies about trade and export development opportunities, and to promote the benefits of exporting for the Newfoundland and Labrador economy." John Patten, chair of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters - Newfoundland and Labrador, stated, "Twenty-five thousand people in our province earn their livelihood from exporting, and the revenue it brings helps drive and support other business activity. Export Development Days provides an avenue to grow, support and especially celebrate this success. Our province has been built on exports, and this week is in recognition of the continued growth exporting can bring." Export development activities will take place throughout the week, including a series of export seminars being offered across the province. The highlight of Export Development Days is the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards. Three finalists will be recognized, and one named as Newfoundland and Labrador Exporter of the Year, at the 2003 Newfoundland and Labrador Export Awards luncheon being held in St. John�s on May 29, 2003. Please see attached schedule of Export Development Days for a detailed list of events. Export Development Days is a partnership of the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Trade Team Newfoundland and Labrador and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters (CME) � Newfoundland and Labrador Division. Schedule of Export Development Days (PDF) Media contact:
2003 05 26 11:30 a.m. |
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