British publication devotes edition exclusively
to Newfoundland and Labrador

The 700,000 readers of the British newspaper The Independent are this week being treated to a supplement devoted exclusively to Newfoundland and Labrador, focusing on the province as a dynamic centre of growth within Canada.

The full-colour, eight-page supplement was produced by World Report Inc., an international press and communications agency that a few months ago had a team of journalists in this province for an extended period to do first-hand research, including interviews with key people in both the public and private sectors.

Premier Roger Grimes, Memorial University president Dr. Axel Meisen, and St. John�s Mayor Andy Wells were among those interviewed.

"The profile this international publication gives Newfoundland and Labrador supports government�s ongoing initiatives to promote our province in the international marketplace. This edition showcases the province as a good place in which to invest and do business, and discover and experience our unique tourism attractions and culture. It also highlights our world-class research and development centres of excellence in the St. John�s area," says Premier Grimes.

"I am particularly pleased that World Report recognizes the significant economic opportunities our province offers, and acknowledges the economic growth we�ve been able to achieve in recent years by diversifying our economy to overcome the extraordinary challenges that came with the introduction of the groundfish moratorium," the Premier said.

The special supplement looks at developments in the mining and petroleum industries, government�s efforts to encourage business investment in the province, and the priority given to education as a tool of economic development. The report also examines the progress made in developing and expanding the tourism industry, and profiled the increase in economic activity generally within the province. The report also comments on government�s commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador. It identifies major deals the Premier has worked on, and is working on, as reasons for confidence in the government�s current economic development agenda and the creation of a good climate for investment.

Following are some quotes that demonstrate the essence of the report:

"The Voisey�s Bay project, located in the territory of Labrador, was a landmark not only for the province but for Canada as a whole."

"Newfoundland and Labrador is forecast to be on the top rungs of the provincial growth ladder." (Quote from Mary Webb, senior economist at Scotiabank)

"To encourage business investment the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) programme provides a competitive framework that makes Newfoundland and Labrador one of the most attractive locations to set up in North America."

"Stratos does 95 per cent of its business outside Canada and has offices as far afield as Aberdeen and Sydney. Even so, one-third of its staff are based in Newfoundland and Labrador."

"We are a provincial university with an international presence...We have outstanding facilities, which will be of interest to students overseas." (Quote from Dr. Axel Meisen)

Premier Grimes said that with all of the economic players on the world stage, it�s most encouraging that the economic performance and potential of this province caught the attention of World Report which sent independent journalists here to report on the province. "International players are taking note that we are making things happen, and that our economic development agenda is working," he said.

The online version of the report can be viewed at www.worldreport-ind.com/newfoundland&labrador Media can obtain hard copies by calling (709) 729-2257, Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

Media contact: Carl Cooper, Office of the Premier (709) 729-3960

2002 10 11                                       2:05 p.m.