Executive Council
May 12, 2016
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador:
Province Welcomes European Union Ambassadors to Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador
Mr. Speaker, I rise in this Honourable House to welcome our esteemed guests, 23 European Union Ambassadors to Canada to Newfoundland and Labrador. We are delighted to welcome the delegation and proud to share our innovative business community, world-class research institutions, and rich culture. Last December my office reached out to the Ambassadors to confirm their attendance and welcome them to our province.
As Canada's second largest trade and investment partner, we look forward to strengthening our respective economies for our mutual benefit. We welcome companies in the European Union to explore opportunities to do business with Newfoundland and Labrador's dynamic and resourceful organizations, and I am confident this mission will further solidify our historic connections with our colleagues from the European Union.
As one of the province's largest trading partners, participating in the European marketplace provides tremendous opportunities for local companies to improve competitiveness and access lucrative international markets. This will be especially true when the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement - CETA comes into force.
CETA will position our province to take advantage of the largest consumer market in the world by creating an investment environment that reduces regulations and streamlines the flow of goods, services and investments, providing unprecedented access to the EU marketplace.
Mr. Speaker, this week we look forward to sharing the best of Newfoundland and Labrador with the EU Ambassadors. We also look forward to working with our EU counterparts to grow our respective economies through strong collaboration and strategic cooperation. On behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador we extend a heartfelt welcome.
Thank you.
- 30 -
2016 05 12 1:55 p.m.