Minister Leads Trade Talks with the British Virgin Islands
AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Minister Leads Trade Talks with the British Virgin Islands
Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Ernest Fage travels to Tortola, British Virgin Islands, next week with provincial industry leaders to explore trade opportunities and sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU).
After two years of discussions and a visit by British Virgin Islands officials to Nova Scotia in 2000, the two governments will agree to work together to improve trade. The agreement will further foster the exchange of information, knowledge, experience and technologies on matters related to fisheries; will support public and private initiatives in the field of sustainable fisheries development in their respective jurisdictions; and will support business affiliations in the fisheries sector.
"We have a great opportunity to learn more about their economy and see where we fit," said Mr. Fage. "We will look at opportunities in the fisheries, boat-building, paving and education sectors."
Nova Scotia's delegates include Kim Conrad, vice-president of Conrad Brothers Ltd.; Brent Conrad, director of SRT Soil Remediation Technologies Ltd.; Paul Blades, secretary-treasurer of Sable Fish Packers Ltd; Patrick Donohue, registrar of the Nova Scotia Community College; Carla MacQuarrie, of PRAqua; and Bob Rosborough, president of Rosborough Boats Ltd.
"We believe there is substantial opportunity for business relationships to grow between Nova Scotia and the British Virgin Islands," said Mr. Rosborough. "We are both maritime societies and share a heritage of working with the sea. We feel this mission will prove a friendly and lucrative relationship."
There are many areas of common industry interests between the two governments, including fisheries resources conservation, fisheries management and development, marine fisheries research, fishing gear, boat building, fish processing and value-adding, maritime training and quality assurance.
The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will cover a portion of expenses. It is estimated to cost the department about $9,000 for the eight-member delegation.
On Jan. 28, Mr. Fage will meet with the British Virgin Islands Head of Government, Chief Minister Ralph O'Neal, and Minister of Natural Resources and Labour, Julian Fraser, prior to signing the agreement.
Mr. Fage will be the keynote speaker at the British Virgin Islands Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 29 and will participate in a joint news conference following the meeting.