Innovation, Business and Rural Development
June 19, 2014

Strengthening the Province’s International Profile Through Shared Cultural Connections

Minister Addresses Our Ocean Wealth Conference in Ireland

The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, participated in Ireland’s first annual Our Ocean Wealth conference on June 18 at Dublin Castle in Ireland. The event provided Minister Sullivan with the opportunity to address conference participants, as well as contribute to a panel discussion on the challenges facing the ocean technology industry and the actions required to stimulate progress. Enda Kenny, Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, was also in attendance.

“Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador may sit on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean, but we share nearly 300 years of history and a bond that has never wavered. We also share the same goals as a government in supporting development of our oceans sector. We want to ensure that we create the optimal conditions so we can promote investment and enable growth. Conferences like Our Ocean Wealth provide an ideal opportunity to build on existing collaborations, strengthen our relationships and facilitate new partnerships with the Irish industry.”
- The Honorable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development

The Our Ocean Wealth Conference is the first annual review of the implementation of Ireland’s Harnessing Our Wealth industry review. The focus of the conference is sustainable growth and employment opportunities for the future, as well as the challenges facing the industry.

“Today, both Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador are seeking to leverage our shared oceans capabilities for business and economic development, focused largely on research and innovation. Our deeply rooted culture in ocean innovation has turned what many view as challenges into opportunities and competitive advantages. Based on existing ties, our respective ocean technology clusters are ideally positioned to build on collaborative efforts and take advantage of new drivers in the marine and ocean technology industry.”
- Minister Susan Sullivan

Additional information on the conference can be found at: www.ouroceanwealth.ie.

QUICK FACTS

• The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, participated in Ireland’s first annual Our Ocean Wealth conference on June 18 in Dublin, Ireland.
• Our Ocean Wealth Conference is the first annual review of the implementation of Ireland’s Harnessing Our Wealth industry review, focusing on sustainable growth, as well as the challenges facing the industry.
• Information on the conference can be found at: www.ouroceanwealth.ie.

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Media contacts:

Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca

2014 06 19                                                             10:45 a.m.