Scotland, Nova Scotia Team Up for SoftWorld 2000

Nova Scotia and Scotland have signed an agreement that will develop new market opportunities for the world's premiere information technology event --SoftWorld 2000.

In a ceremony earlier today, Margaret Farquhar, Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Scotland, Manning MacDonald, Minister responsible for InNOVAcorp, and Rick Andrews, chair of SoftWorld 2000, signed a letter of intent formalizing their support and participation in this IT deal-making event.

"Aberdeen has had an important memorandum of understanding with Nova Scotia since 1995," said Dr. Farquhar. "Our businesses have set up numerous joint ventures, particularly in the oil and gas sector. Aberdeen and Nova Scotia have been working and developing closer links in the IT market. We were delighted to be approached by InNOVAcorp to be partners in delivering SoftWorld 2000 for Halifax in the millennium year.

"This is a key sector for both our communities' futures and this marks the next step in the development of a close partnership between New Scotland and Old Scotland."

"We're delighted to be joining our Scottish partners in hosting SoftWorld here in Nova Scotia next year," said Mr. MacDonald, also Minister of Economic Development and Tourism. "Our rich heritage, of which we are both so proud, makes us likely partners in growing our respective IT industries together."

"Building alliances makes the IT industry strong, and we welcome Aberdeen as a partner," added Mr. Andrews. "We believe this partnership will help make our millennium event the best SoftWorld yet."

"We are pleased to be part of a partnership with a city that is a leader in promoting the IT industry throughout the United Kingdom," said Ross McCurdy, CEO of InNOVAcorp. "We believe this project will strengthen what is already a world-class IT industry in Atlantic Canada. This event will give local companies access to relationships and deals that otherwise might be unattainable."

InNOVAcorp is hosting the event, which is expected to attract more than 1,000 international participants. SoftWorld is the leading deal-making and promotional event for the IT industry. It will be held Oct. 15-18, 2000, in Halifax.

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