Government supporting marketing efforts at European Seafood Exposition in Belgium

As a key economic driver for rural Newfoundland and Labrador, the fishing industry continues to be a top priority for government. As part of its commitment to strengthen the fishery and diversify rural regions of the province, government is taking steps to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador seafood products are at the forefront of the global marketplace by supporting a strong provincial presence at the European Seafood Exposition in Brussels, Belgium.

"Our government places the utmost importance on marketing of our province�s seafood products, and the exposition in Belgium will be instrumental in helping to achieve our goals" said Minister Rideout. "The fishery is a global industry and as international markets become increasingly competitive, we must take advantage of all available opportunities to increase the awareness of the variety and quality of seafood products available in this province."

Representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will be attending the exposition and the province will have a booth displaying the diversity and quality of all seafood products that inhabit the waters off Newfoundland and Labrador.

The department is also assisting Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited in its marketing efforts in Europe. "I am pleased to allocate $5,000 for the marketing efforts of Badger Bay Mussel Farms Limited as they travel to Europe," said Minister Rideout. "As part of their efforts, representatives from the organization will be attending the exposition in Belgium. This will increase our presence during the show, and therefore government is delighted to make this contribution."

Recognizing the importance of marketing to the success of the fishery and the sustainability of rural regions of the province, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will continue to make seafood promotion a top priority.

"In Budget 2006, $100,000 was allocated to enhance the promotion of the province�s seafood products and develop a broader range of international market opportunities," said Minister Rideout. "This will include increased participation in international trade exhibitions with the goal of ensuring companies and customers throughout the world recognize Newfoundland and Labrador as a leading supplier of high quality seafood."

The European Seafood Exposition takes place May 9-11, 2006.

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, ABC, Communications, (709) 729-3733, 690-8403

2006 05 09                                                         10:05 a.m.