The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

Trade Activities Creating New Opportunities

To no surprise to any member of this Honourable House, Newfoundland and Labrador is home to academic, cultural, and business sectors characterized by high-degrees of creativity, resiliency, and an entrepreneurial spirit.

What may surprise some are the in-roads that these sectors are making in international markets. Locally-manufactured products and services are reaching consumers in such markets as Asia, Africa, Europe, United States and across Canada. More importantly, this success is not confined to a single community or region but spans rural and urban communities.

As the MHA for Humber Valley indicated last week, optimism and confidence is growing in our province.

That spirit motivates us as government and drives us to continue to help open doors to a world of opportunities and foster a business environment conducive for success - Success that ultimately leads to stronger more diversified communities and regions.

Mr. Speaker, in particular, we are continuing to work with our partners in Ireland to advance mutually-beneficial opportunities that strengthen our centuries-old connection. Through outgoing and incoming trade missions, representatives from both jurisdictions are able to develop relationships and target new opportunities.

The significance of these initiatives has been recently highlighted by the Marine Institute�s Memorandums of Understanding with Ireland�s University of Limerick and St. Angela�s College. With these agreements in hand, it is better positioned to capitalize on the growth of the global ocean technology sector.

We are also taking steps to create the platform for our publishing, film, and music communities to excel abroad. Not only do these sectors celebrate our culture but they are valuable contributors to the provincial economy.

Initiatives such as this fall�s IN Exchange heighten the opportunity for our talented professionals to increase their export potential. IN Exchange attracted more than 20 buyers, agents, and other industry professionals from Ireland to meet directly with the province�s musicians, film-makers, and publishers.

Building off participation on earlier trade missions, IN Exchange led to performers such as Terry Penny and Duane Andrews securing a tour of Ireland in 2010 through Irish promoters. Local film producers and book publishers were also able to develop business relationships and anticipate long-term success in Ireland.

Mr. Speaker, developing new markets for local products and services takes time. By spearheading multiple initiatives we are creating the opportunity to establish relationships that over the long-term will result in greater successes.

As our companies and organizations achieve greater success, that optimism and confidence that my Honourable colleague spoke of will continue to collect momentum across all regions.

2009 12 21                                                 2:05 p.m.