Caribbean Potential Market for Environmental Industry

ENVIRONMENT/LABOUR--Caribbean Potential Market for Environmental Industry

Environmental businesses in Nova Scotia are meeting potential new customers this week.

A group of government officials from several Caribbean countries are visiting the province from today, Sept. 8, until Friday, Sept. 10, to learn about solid waste management, including recycling and composting.

"These countries are ready to start improving their waste management systems and they're looking for guidance from Nova Scotia's government and businesses as world leaders in this area," said Environment and Labour Minister Kerry Morash. "We're happy to help these countries with our expertise, and develop new markets for our environmental industry at the same time."

Nova Scotia diverts half of its waste from landfills and employs more than 3,000 people in the solid waste-resource field. These businesses now have an opportunity to export their knowledge and products to other countries while continuing their work to keep Nova Scotia clean.

"Showing other countries how we do things in Nova Scotia gives our companies international exposure so they can expand into new markets," said Rick Joseph, executive director of the Nova Scotia Environmental Industry Association. "Their growth is good for the economy in Nova Scotia, and it's good for the health of our planet."

Four representatives are here from the Bahamas, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Their visit has been co-ordinated by the Department of Environment and Labour and the Resource Recovery Fund Board.

They will tour facilities for recycling, composting, used-tire recycling, and disposal of construction and demolition waste. They will learn about all the components of Nova Scotia's strategy for solid waste-resource management.

They will also meet environmental engineers, consultants and other specialists in the province's environmental industry.

Nova Scotia has co-ordinated tours of its facilities for many countries, including Hong Kong, South Korea, China, Japan, Ireland, Iceland, India, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.