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September 23, 1997
(Executive Council)

Ireland CEO to visit Newfoundland and Labrador
Province's business community learns from Irish experience

Representatives of the government and business community will have an opportunity to gain further insight into the reasons for the substantial growth of the Irish economy over the last 10 years, and learn more of the Industrial Development Agency of Ireland (IDA) - the agency credited with much of that success. Brian Tobin, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced today that Kieran McGowan, CEO of the Industrial Development Agency of Ireland will make a four day visit, September 30 to October 3, to the province to meet with private and public sector leaders. During his visit he will also address a Board of Trade luncheonon the topic of, "The Success of the Irish Economy." The Board of Trade luncheon will be at the Delta Hotel, 12:30 p.m., Ocotober 2.

Mr. McGowan's visit is part of the larger initiative established by the provincial government in conjunction with Vince Withers - Chairman of the Irish Business Partnerships - Newfoundland and Labrador, which brings together local industry leaders to direct activities of three working groups in information technology, environmental industries and culture and tourism. The Irish Business Partnership signed in August works under a formal Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Mr. McGowan's visit demonstrates the commitment of the Industrial Development Agency of Ireland (IDA) in ensuring the success of the Irish Business Partnership - Newfoundland and Labrador, and is an important step in the process of understanding and learning the nature of business enterprise in Ireland," said Mr. Withers. "Mr. McGowan in his capacity of CEO of the IDA will help the business and government community of Newfoundland and Labrador recognize that Ireland's successes can be realized here in this province and a real working relationship can exist between the two."

Premier Tobin also said: " We believe that our partnerships with Ireland will prove to be a vital step in developing this province's economy, and the IDA, under Mr. McGowan's leadership, will be aggressive in opening the door to new opportunities for the people of the province."

On October 1, Mr. McGowan will make an address to Cabinet and meet with the leaders of the Newfoundland and Labrador/Ireland Memorandum of Understanding Management Committee. He will also participate in a CEO Forum at Memorial University School of Business organized by the Newfoundland and Labrador Employers Council on October 2.

The Irish Development Agency was established in 1969 and is dedicated to attracting business investment in Ireland and is credited with much of the success of Ireland's recent substantial growth. The IDA has offices in 15 different cities outside Ireland spanning Europe, Asia and North America.

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, Premier's Office (709) 729-3570

Jan Dicks, Irish Business Partnerships(709) 739-3614