Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
May 26, 2009

The following statement was issue today by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Ocean Creates Opportunities for Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador

I rise in this Honourable House to highlight some impressive initiatives underway between Newfoundland and Labrador and our partners in Ireland, particularly in the area of ocean technology.

Supported by the Department of Innovation, Trade, and Rural Development and Ireland Business Partnerships, the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University has demonstrated its world-class expertise by partnering with Irish organizations on close to 50 initiatives focused on fisheries and ocean technologies. 

Collaboration has taken place through technology transfer related to fishing gear and training programs with Irish harvesters; sharing of search and rescue curriculum with the Irish Navy; the creation of geographical databases for the National Maritime College of Ireland; and extensive seabed mapping of Ireland�s waters in partnership with the Irish Marine Institute. In fact, the Irish Marine Institute was so impressed by SmartBay in Placentia Bay that they have begun their own SmartBay project in Galway Bay, creating yet another avenue for ongoing collaboration.

In 2004, our government officially re-affirmed our commitment to our relationship with Ireland. Furthermore, in 2007, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Ireland to increase collaboration in the area of ocean technology. These agreements and resulting relationships have helped facilitate many of the Marine Institute�s Irish initiatives.

Historically, our economies have focused on ocean pursuits and we have developed strong oceans clusters as a result. Today, with ongoing collaboration and remarkable advances, we have solidified our position as global leaders in ocean technology.

The current economic situation highlights the necessity for, and real value of, our partnership. It has never been more essential to maintain and strengthen our relationships with our global partners as we strive to discover new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity.

As a government, we are proactively identifying opportunities to enable us to deliver on that objective. The outstanding work of the Marine Institute, in partnership with Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and Ireland Business Partnerships, clearly demonstrates the possibilities that exist for Newfoundland and Labrador through real partnerships with our Irish counterparts.

As we proceed, I am confident that Newfoundland and Labrador, through the work of Ireland Business Partnerships and its many stakeholders, both here and in Ireland, will chart a course for sustained prosperity through partnerships in ocean technology and other knowledge-based sectors, while continuing to demonstrate our unique and enduring cultural ties.

2006 05 26                                                4:55 p.m.
 


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement