Trade Mission Puts Nova Scotia on China's Doorstep

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Trade Mission Puts Nova Scotia on China's Doorstep

Nova Scotia is getting a foot in the door as China opens it to the world. Premier John Hamm is leading a group of Nova Scotia delegates who departed today for a nine-day trade mission in the People's Republic of China.

As part of the Team Canada Trade Mission 2001 to China and Hong Kong, led by Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the Nova Scotia delegates will focus on promoting Nova Scotia's natural resources and expertise in the areas of environment, technology and post- secondary education.

China is expected to be admitted to the World Trade Organization sometime this year.

"This mission will build bridges of understanding between our two countries that will naturally strengthen Canada-China relations and enhance Nova Scotia's economic ties with the world's biggest market," Premier Hamm said.

"There is no question that this is an extremely opportune time for a trade mission. A nation of more than one billion people is opening its doors to the world and Nova Scotia is poised to step inside."

While in China, Premier Hamm will attend the signing of a $15- million trade agreement between Bedford-based Clearwater Fine Foods Inc. and Shandong Shanhai Fisheries Business Centre. The premier will also be involved in meetings about tariff reductions on seafood entering China. This is an important issue to Nova Scotia because seafood accounts for 87 per cent of the province's total exports.

Premier Hamm will speak to an alumni reception in Hong Kong. Hosted by four Nova Scotia universities, the event will bring together former students who have since undertaken successful business ventures in their homeland.

"Education expertise is one of our strongest exportable resources and a priority of the Nova Scotia government," Premier Hamm said. "That's why we are so pleased to have our own Nova Scotia alumni participating in this mission. The partnerships we cement this week will go a long way towards further raising Nova Scotia's profile."

In 1999, more than 1,600 international students from 120 countries spent close to $40 million in tuition, housing and other expenses in Nova Scotia. At the same time, our universities attracted more than $80 million in externally sponsored research and international-development income.

Premier Hamm's participation in the Team Canada Trade Mission is consistent with the government's commitment to improving the climate for creating new businesses and growing existing businesses in Nova Scotia. The economic strategy -- Opportunities for Prosperity -- released last October, identified the key areas that offer the greatest potential, including supporting new innovations, the knowledge economy and promoting exports based on new industries and the traditional, resource-based industries that have been the backbone of rural communities for generations.

"We are embracing the global economy, and Nova Scotia has a great deal to offer the people of China," Premier Hamm said. "China wants quality products and Nova Scotia has a reputation for providing the best."