Partnership Between Nova Scotia and Vasternorrland, Sweden

EDUCATION/CULTURE-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT/TOURISM

• Partnership Between Nova Scotia and Vasternorrland, Sweden

A memorandum of understanding is now in place to encourage business development and share educational resources and research between the Province of Nova Scotia and the Province of Vasternorrland, Sweden.

Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison and Economic Development and Tourism Minister Manning MacDonald signed the agreement for Nova Scotia, and Governor Borje Hornlund signed on behalf of Vasternorrland. Other members of the delegation represent Vasternorrland's interests in economic development, research, education, science and tourism.

"This is the beginning of a exciting new partnership, where both provinces will benefit," Mr. Harrison said. "There are so many similarities between our two provinces. Vasternorrland, like Nova Scotia, is meeting the challenges of the future with an emphasis on research and training. Both Vasternorrland and Nova Scotia, recognize one of our greatest resources are our people."

Vasternorrland is located in the heart of Sweden. The province is fast becoming one of Europe's more attractive locations for international companies and investors. It provides a wealth of natural resources, a highly skilled and productive work force, as well as excellent geographical, technical, educational and economic conditions.

Mr. MacDonald said Nova Scotia is proud to be fostering a partnership with Vasternorrland.

"It's a tremendous opportunity for Nova Scotia's technologies and services to be of value to Swedish companies," said Mr. MacDonald. "Sweden is a penetration point for Nova Scotia products into the European marketplace. This is a relationship that will build a platform for dialogue between both partners."

The signing of the memorandum is the outcome of Mr. Harrison's November of 1997 trade mission to Vasternorrland.

The delegation from Vasternorrland has been in the province since Wednesday and will leave tomorrow. They are scheduled to participate in a number of activities outlining Nova Scotia's plans for economic development, tourism, educational training, as well as entrepreneurship.

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Nova Scotia now has closer ties to Sweden.

The province signed an agreement with the province of

Vasternorrland, Sweden to encourage business development and

share educational resources.

A Swedish delegation has been in the province since

Wednesday. They are getting a first-hand look at Nova Scotia's

plans for economic development, tourism and education.

The deal was signed by the governor of Vasternorrland,

Education and Culture Minister Robbie Harrison and Economic

Development and Tourism Minister Manning MacDonald.