News release

Premier to Promote Trade, Investment in Nova Scotia on China, South Korea Visit

Premier's Office

Premier Stephen McNeil will promote enhanced trade links and economic investment opportunities for Nova Scotia during a visit to southeast Asia, including China and South Korea from Sept. 1-12.

Nova Scotia's advantages in ocean technology, energy, transportation and logistics, and information technology will be profiled during the visit.

"Nova Scotia has always prospered when we've done business with other parts of the world," said Premier McNeil. "Nova Scotia companies are taking advantage of our leadership and innovation in ocean technology, resource and energy exploration, and transportation infrastructure like ports, to reach out to growing markets in China and South Korea.

"We want to support their efforts to succeed by building strong international relationships so that we're seen as a good place to do business."

When Premier McNeil met with China's ambassador to Canada during an official visit to Nova Scotia last week, he emphasized the provincial government is committed to advancing economic links with China as a growth opportunity for Nova Scotia.

"Nova Scotia has tremendous potential, thanks to its rich resources and our innovative companies, who are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities in markets like China. This can lead to jobs and growth right here at home," said Premier McNeil.

A highlight of the visit will be Premier McNeil's participation in the New Leaders Conference of the World Economic Forum in Tianjin. He will address global delegates on Nova Scotia's efforts to develop clean energy, including tidal and wind power, profiling the province as an innovator in sustainable energy.

In Shanghai, the premier will head Nova Scotia's trade delegation at Oceanology International 2014, a conference which offers a unique profile for Nova Scotia's emerging ocean technology industry.

While in Shanghai, he will meet with representatives of the port and DongDu International Group Limited, which is investing in real-estate development in Nova Scotia. The premier will also meet with Paper Excellence, owners of the Northern Pulp mill in Pictou County, to reiterate the provincial government's position on cleaning up emissions from the site.

In South Korea, meetings with government officials and industry representatives will promote opportunities for development in the energy, transportation and engineering industries.

Premier McNeil will pay respects to Nova Scotia Second World War veterans who served in Hong Kong by laying a wreath at the graves of members of the Royal Rifles of Canada buried at Sai Wan War Cemetery.