The Provincial Government continues to take advantage of every
opportunity to ensure that Newfoundland and Labrador seafood products
are at the forefront of global seafood market. As part of these efforts,
the Provincial Government is exploring potential opportunities to enter
the Chinese marketplace by supporting a strong provincial presence at
the China Fisheries and Seafood Exhibition in Dalian, China. The
exhibition is taking place from November 6 to 8.
"Our government places the utmost importance on marketing our
province�s seafood products," said the Honourable Tom Rideout, Minister
of Fisheries and Aquaculture. "International markets are becoming
increasingly competitive, and therefore we must take advantage of all
available opportunities to increase global awareness of the variety and
quality of Newfoundland and Labrador seafood products."
Representatives from the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture will
be hosting a Newfoundland and Labrador booth at the show. A number of
companies from this province will also be represented at the exhibition
through assistance from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
"Our government was first represented at this show last year and it
proved to be quite beneficial," continued Minister Rideout. "It provided
the opportunity to establish new contacts, study the market trends
within China and determine the types of products that Chinese buyers are
interested in purchasing. We are confident that we will build upon these
successes by participating in this year�s show."
The Provincial Government has significantly stepped up its seafood
marketing efforts during the last two years. In April 2007, $3 million
was provided over three-years for enhanced marketing efforts under the
Provincial Government�s Fishing Industry Renewal Strategy. This will
provide for the establishment of a Newfoundland and Labrador Seafood
Marketing Council.
Furthermore, in Budget 2006, $100,000 was made available to enhance
the promotion of the province�s seafood products and develop a broader
range of international market opportunities through increased
participation in international trade exhibitions. An additional $100,000
was provided in Budget 2007 and the Provincial Government has
effectively used this allocation to explore new markets in Russia and
China. The province is also exploring other new markets for the future.
Minister Rideout said, "Our government will continue to promote our
seafood products on the international stage and support initiatives that
will help increase the economic value of our fish resources to the
province."
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Media contact:
Lori Lee Oates
Director of Communications
Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture
709-729-3733, 690-8403
oatesll@gov.nl.ca
2007 11 06 9:50 a.m.
