News Release Archive
ECONOMIC RENEWAL--ICELANDERS SEEK NS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ----------------------------------------------------------------- The success of the trade and tourism mission to and from Iceland last May has persuaded a second Icelandic delegation to seek new business opportunities in Nova Scotia. They arrive today. Iceland's Agriculture and Environment Minister Gudundur Bjarnason is leading the 11-person mission to Nova Scotia, from Aug. 13 to 16. The Icelanders are interested in Nova Scotia's innovative progress in the environmental, geomatic and agricultural industries. The Nova Scotia Economic Renewal Agency is coordinating the incoming mission, along with the departments of Natural Resources, Fisheries, Agriculture and Environment. The private sector will also demonstrate its capabilities. The Icelanders will be looking at training and research facilities, such as the Nova Scotia Agricultural College, visiting several environmental technology transfer sites, such as the Colchester balefill facility, as well as conducting policy discussions about Nova Scotia Christmas tree growers accessing the European market through Iceland. Nova Scotia businesses hope to form joint ventures and partnerships with Icelandic businesses to break into new European markets. Economic Renewal Minister Richie Mann said, "The Icelanders consider us innovative and technical leaders in the environmental industries and want to know how they can transfer Nova Scotian expertise to their country. The opportunities for exporting Nova Scotia know-how and products are very exciting." As part of the successful Icebreaker '96 trade and tourism mission to Iceland last May, former ERA Minister Robbie Harrison met with Mr. Bjarnason. The two ministers discussed opportunities for research exchanges in coastal zone management, agricultural, soil erosion, forestry and freshwater fisheries. Icebreaker '96 helped mark the inaugural flight of Icelandair's "Gateway to Canada" service through Halifax. The mission showcased Nova Scotia products, services and travel opportunities to Icelanders. Seventy-one Nova Scotia companies, including four universities, participated in a consumer travel, trade and education exposition, which proved to be the most popular aspect of the show. "Nova Scotia companies recognize the business potential in Iceland and also see Icelandair's service as important for securing existing markets in Europe and generating new ones," said Mr. Mann. "As the airline's first Canadian destination, Nova Scotia is in an important and strategic position for tourism, trade and business development, and is already proving quite successful," he said. -30- Contact: Steve Warburton 902-424-0927 trp August 13, 1996 - 1:10 p.m.