Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
June 9, 2009
Delegation to Advance Irish Partnerships
The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development (INTRD), is set to lead a multi-sector delegation on a trade
mission to Ireland. The delegation will seek opportunities to advance
partnerships in ocean technology and cultural, knowledge-based, and
academic sectors.
"There is a spirit of co-operation that extends many years between
Ireland and Newfoundland and Labrador that is advancing key sectors for
our respective jurisdictions," said Minister Skinner. "During these
times of economic uncertainty, it is important to leverage the strength
of existing partnerships and explore opportunities for collaboration
ensuring mutual benefits. With Ireland, we have a partner who is
committed to our partnership and to maximizing our common interests."
This week's trade mission to Ireland will focus on strengthening and
enhancing trade partnerships through face-to-face meetings with
businesses, academic institutions, potential buyers and other strategic
partners in Ireland. In addition to various meetings, the delegation
will also have the opportunity to network with members of the Irish
business community at a reception hosted by the Ireland Newfoundland
Partnership and Canadian Embassy.
"We feel that networking and meetings conducted during trade missions of
this nature enable us to develop new contacts and follow up on existing
ones," said Don Vokey, TriNav Group of Companies. "They help contribute
to our competitiveness and allow us to obtain important market
information."
As part of the delegation, the province's vibrant music industry is
additionally represented with the goals of creating awareness and demand
for products and developing distribution channels to reach international
audiences, promoters and distributors.
"I have had my sights set on the Irish market for several years with the
objective of developing touring activity," said Duane Andrews, a local
of musician and performer. "Many of the scheduled meetings for me would
have been nearly impossible for me to make independently. With this
being my second time participating in an INTRD-led trade mission, I find
their support invaluable."
The Provincial Government officially re-affirmed its trade ties with
Ireland in 2004. These ties were strengthened in 2007 with the signing
of a Memorandum of Understanding by the two jurisdictions to further
collaborate in such areas as ocean observing, business, and academics.
"As a government, we are committed to opening doors to new opportunities
for our business and academic communities," said Minister Skinner.
"These MOUs create the platform for linkages and partnerships to take
shape. They also enable various organizations and institutions to come
together with the common goal of increasing their competitiveness and
the exchange of knowledge and experience."
The mission is co-ordinated by the Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP),
which assists Newfoundland and Labrador-based companies and
organizations identify and capitalize on economic, cultural, and
educational opportunities with Ireland. It promotes strategic business
alliances through marketing agreements, joint ventures, and technology
transfer opportunities and develops linkages between the public and
private sectors in Newfoundland and Labrador and Ireland.
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Media contacts:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
|
Don Vokey
TriNav Group of Companies
709-754-1060
Duane Andrews
709-579-1718 |
BACKGROUNDER
Trade Mission Participants
Atlantic North Development Corporation is a St. John's-based
company with operations throughout the business community of Atlantic
Canada encompassing projects in the seafood industry, manufacturing,
exporting, financial services, government relations, aviation and marine
(transportation) consulting. Tel: 709-722-7417
Camouflage Software, based in St. John's, is a software
development firm specializing in privacy-enhancing software. The
flagship product, Camouflage, is an enterprise-wide data masking
software solution designed to protect personal and sensitive information
while facilitating compliance with privacy legislation. Tel:
709-722-1200
Duane Andrews, is a musician specializing in a blend of
Newfoundland folk, Django, jazz, and contemporary compositions. Tel:
709-579-1718
Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University of Newfoundland
offers education, training and research and development in areas of
fisheries, marine and ocean technology. Tel: 709-727-4407
iDance of St. John's is dedicated to preserving, promoting, and
strengthening the traditional form of Irish dance, music and culture in
Canada and around the world. It provides opportunities to young people
and emerging artists to become part of the exciting international world
of Irish dance, music, and culture through teaching, competition and
performance. Tel: 709-690-2101
Power Consulting owned and operated by Nadia Power, offers
marketing communications and public affairs experience in project
management, strategic planning, coalition and constituency building,
media training, crisis management, image building, media relations,
budgeting and international business development. Tel: 709-746-4841
TAP Productions is a Lewisporte-based business featuring the
unique sounds of Terry Penney, a modern-day folk artist using an
eclectic blend of country, contemporary folk, and rock and roll music
with a dash of blue grass. Tel: 709-535-0787
TriNav Group of Companies consists of marine consulting firms
which provide diverse and comprehensive services including marine
brokerage, naval architecture, marine surveying, project management,
fisheries consulting, information technology and publishing. Tel:
709-754-1060
2009 06 09
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