Selling Nova Scotia to a Rising Marketplace

Nova Scotian firms are looking for business opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago, a rising star in the world's oil and gas economy.

Ten companies with expertise in energy and related industries are meeting with industry executives and government officials in Port of Spain during the Trinidad and Tobago Petroleum Conference. The trade delegation is being led by Energy Minister Bill Dooks and supported by Department of Energy staff and Nova Scotia Business Inc.

"Nova Scotia has a long-standing relationship with Trinidad and Tobago," said Mr. Dooks. "By working together, I believe there are great opportunities for all of us to move forward together and build stronger economies and stronger cultural ties."

During his speech to the conference, Mr. Dooks promoted the importance of business partnerships, the expertise of Nova Scotia firms and the training capabilities of Nova Scotia's education system.

"Nova Scotia firms have successfully partnered with oil and gas players from around the world and will continue to do so," said Mr. Dooks. "Our companies and our workers are exceptionally talented and offer value wherever they go."

Producing about 150,000 barrels of oil and 4.1 billion cubic feet of gas a day, Trinidad and Tobago's energy sector is fuelling rapid economic growth in the region.

Neill and Gunter, a Nova Scotia engineering firm, said Nova Scotia's trade mission will help open new business opportunities.

"We've been part of Trinidad and Tobago trade missions in the past few years. and see plenty of opportunity to market our engineering services, including experience in the oil and gas sector," said Peter Rent, president of Neill and Gunter. "By working with a local partner and building our presence, we anticipate we will soon see results."

Pat Ryan, chief operating officer of Nova Scotia Business Inc., said Nova Scotia firms are meeting with key players in Trinidad's vibrant business community.

"We've already had productive meetings with some important industry leaders," said Mr. Ryan. "And there are more meetings planned. It's all part of building stronger relationships and working to promote our homegrown expertise to the world."