Hamm Urges Stronger Trade Links

Premier John Hamm today officially opened the 24th annual Conference of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers with a call for stronger trade links.

"Between 1994 and 1998, exports to New England from Eastern Canada grew to $11.6 billion from $8.3 billion -- an increase of 40 per cent," said Premier Hamm, who is co-chairing the conference in Rockport, Me., with host governor Angus King Jr. "Building on these trade relationships is what strengthens our economies, creates jobs and supports our education and health systems."

Other topics being discussed at the three-day gathering include biotechnology, electronic commerce, energy and the environment.

"These are exciting times ahead. The era of global trade is creating new and challenging conditions," concluded Premier Hamm. "We need not meet them alone."

The premier plans to highlight with his colleagues the strong benefits to their respective economies from the development of an expanded Halifax port. Although New York/New Jersey was selected in May by Maersk/Sea-Land as the east coast port for their post-Panamax traffic, the Halifax proposal would have had a stronger overall economic impact on the New England economy.