Innovation, Trade and Rural
Development
December 21, 2009
The following
statement was given today in the House of Assembly by
the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation,
Trade and Rural Development.
Trade
Activities Creating New Opportunities
To no surprise to any
member of this Honourable House, Newfoundland and
Labrador is home to academic, cultural, and business
sectors characterized by high-degrees of creativity,
resiliency, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
What may surprise some
are the in-roads that these sectors are making in
international markets. Locally-manufactured products and
services are reaching consumers in such markets as Asia,
Africa, Europe, United States and across Canada. More
importantly, this success is not confined to a single
community or region but spans rural and urban
communities.
As the MHA for Humber
Valley indicated last week, optimism and confidence is
growing in our province.
That spirit motivates us
as government and drives us to continue to help open
doors to a world of opportunities and foster a business
environment conducive for success - Success that
ultimately leads to stronger more diversified
communities and regions.
Mr. Speaker, in
particular, we are continuing to work with our partners
in Ireland to advance mutually-beneficial opportunities
that strengthen our centuries-old connection. Through
outgoing and incoming trade missions, representatives
from both jurisdictions are able to develop
relationships and target new opportunities.
The significance of these
initiatives has been recently highlighted by the Marine
Institute�s Memorandums of Understanding with Ireland�s
University of Limerick and St. Angela�s College. With
these agreements in hand, it is better positioned to
capitalize on the growth of the global ocean technology
sector.
We are also taking steps
to create the platform for our publishing, film, and
music communities to excel abroad. Not only do these
sectors celebrate our culture but they are valuable
contributors to the provincial economy.
Initiatives such as this
fall�s IN Exchange heighten the opportunity for our
talented professionals to increase their export
potential. IN Exchange attracted more than 20 buyers,
agents, and other industry professionals from Ireland to
meet directly with the province�s musicians,
film-makers, and publishers.
Building off
participation on earlier trade missions, IN Exchange led
to performers such as Terry Penny and Duane Andrews
securing a tour of Ireland in 2010 through Irish
promoters. Local film producers and book publishers were
also able to develop business relationships and
anticipate long-term success in Ireland.
Mr. Speaker, developing
new markets for local products and services takes time.
By spearheading multiple initiatives we are creating the
opportunity to establish relationships that over the
long-term will result in greater successes.
As our companies and
organizations achieve greater success, that optimism and
confidence that my Honourable colleague spoke of will
continue to collect momentum across all regions.
2009 12 21
2:05 p.m.
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