News Release Archive
FISHERIES--NOVA SCOTIA BOATBUILDERS EYE NEW MARKETS ----------------------------------------------------------------- A group of Nova Scotia boatbuilders has teamed up with the province and the federal government to pursue new export opportunities. A consortium of Nova Scotia boatbuilding companies and the provincial Department of Fisheries recently hosted delegations of boat operators and fish processors from Morocco and Mauritania. The visit is a follow-up to a previous mission by boatbuilders and government officials from Nova Scotia earlier this year. The federal Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada Department provided support for both the outgoing and incoming missions. Morocco and Mauritania are building domestic fleets to replace large foreign trawlers which are harvesting the fish resources off the coast of the two northwest African countries. These countries are interested in purchasing mid-sized, fibreglass vessels and are attracted by Nova Scotia's proven track record for producing reliable and efficient boats, said Fisheries Minister Jim Barkhouse. Mr. Barkhouse, who met with the visiting delegates, said Nova Scotia has an excellent opportunity to take advantage of a growing global market for ocean-going vessels. "We have the expertise to construct world-class vessels and our boatbuilders are aggressively pursuing foreign markets for their products." DDS Export, a consortium composed of Dixon's Shipyard, Woods Harbour; Samson Enterprises, West Arichat; and Camille d'Eon Boat Builders, Middle West Pubnico; is also optimistic about the future of the industry. "We believe there is tremendous potential for our product and have formed this consortium to develop the business," said Gary Dixon with Dixon's Shipyard. "We each bring special skills to the group and this collaboration gives us confidence that we will succeed." Nova Scotia is a major supplier of boats to Atlantic Canada. The next step, noted Mr. Barkhouse, is to focus on the multi-million dollar global market for new, high-tech vessels. "Nova Scotia is well-positioned to tap into this lucrative trade and in doing so, we will create new jobs and help boost the economy of our coastal communities." -30- Contact: Diane Kenny 902-424-0308 trp July 15, 1996 - 2:35 p.m.