Minister discusses fisheries trade issues with Ambassador of Japan to Canada

Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today discussed fisheries trade issues between Newfoundland and Labrador and Japan with His Excellency, Sadaaki Numata, Ambassador of Japan to Canada.

"I had a very productive discussion with Ambassador Numata regarding international trade with Japan," said Minister Rideout. "Japan is one of this province�s top export countries as the province has been exporting species such as capelin, herring, mackerel and snow crab to the Japanese market for over 20 years.

"To that end, I stressed the importance of good trade relations to the performance of the province�s seafood sector and indicated to the ambassador that our government will continue to work cooperatively in the future to ensure this relationship is maintained."

Seal products developed in Newfoundland and Labrador, particularly those of interest to Japan, were also discussed. "Much research has been undertaken in recent years in order to develop seal products that are attractive to the lucrative Japanese market," said Minister Rideout. "While Newfoundland and Labrador has exported many seal products into the country, including 12 metric tonnes of refined seal oil, we feel that there is much potential to expand the current market and create new ones."

The minister said that he outlined many of the products that can be derived from seals. These include Omega-3 capsules, an important health supplement, shampoos and many forms of clothing, all of which are of interest to Japan. Furthermore, research has indicated that seal meat can be processed to suit the expanding Japanese marketplace.

"Marketing of our seafood and seal products is very important to the future of the fishing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Rideout. "Demonstrating the quality and diversity of our seafood will allow this province to generate access to new markets across the globe. Our seafood industry will remain a top priority for government as we move forward."

Ambassador Numata visited the minister on a diplomatic courtesy call.

Photo #1: Minister Rideout with Ambassador of Japan to Canada, His Excellency, Sadaaki Numata

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

2006 06 08                          3:00 p.m.