Province Poised to Make Most of Globalization, Premier Tells Ambassadors, High Commissioners

Nova Scotia is ready to lead and succeed in the new global economy, Premier Rodney MacDonald told an international audience today, Nov. 13.

Premier MacDonald addressed 19 visiting ambassadors and high commissioners from around the globe.

"We are in an era of globalization where trading patterns are shifting and emerging opportunities are plentiful. Nova Scotia is poised to take advantage of these opportunities," Premier MacDonald said.

The health of the environment, the economy and the people are all interconnected. A healthy environment contributes to a healthy economy, the premier said.

"We are creating a new Nova Scotia where our products and services are in demand around the globe, and our workforce is prized for its reliability and expertise. That's why we have developed, and are proud to release, our international framework strategy, which provides a blueprint for success, and further co-ordinates and focuses our international efforts across government."

The 19 visiting dignitaries are here on an economic mission, organized through the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. The visit provides ambassadors and high commissioners with an opportunity to learn about Nova Scotia's economy, its export industries, and innovative programs and institutions.

Earlier in the day, the guests toured the Annapolis Valley, with stops at Grand Pre National Park, the Grand Pre Winery and Fox Hill Farms. Over the next two days, they will tour businesses in the Halifax area, and learning about the Atlantic Gateway, Nova Scotia's Clean and Green economy, trade and investment, and international education initiatives by Nova Scotia's post-secondary institutions.

The economic mission includes representatives from Albania, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Ghana, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Italy, Norway, Panama, Peru, Romania, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, United States and Vietnam.

The PDF of the international framework A Global Nova Scotia is on the Intergovernmental Affairs website at www.gov.ns.ca/iga/pdf/GlobalNSweb.pdf .