Conference Results in a Better Understanding that Province is Ready to Lead and Succeed

Nineteen visiting ambassadors and high commissioners from around the globe today, Nov. 15, concluded their economic mission to Nova Scotia.

Their three-day visit to the province focused on demonstrating that Nova Scotia is ready to lead and succeed in the new global economy.

"The visit has been a great opportunity for Nova Scotia," said Premier Rodney MacDonald. "I had the opportunity to speak with some of them and they were impressed by our province's resources, abilities and balance, and will look to foster more connections between our respective jurisdictions. On behalf of all Nova Scotians, I'd like to thank them for taking the time to come to learn about our beautiful province, and invite them back anytime."

"The mission has been extremely instructive and informative," said Rajamani Lakshimi Narayan, high commissioner for the Republic of India to Canada. "We've learned a great deal about how Nova Scotia, as a small province, is reaching out to the rest of the world."

He added that many of their colleagues in each respective country will come back to Nova Scotia to follow up on the connections they have made during this mission.

"This opportunity has been extremely valuable in that it has opened new doors with countries with whom we may not have existing relationships," said Colin Dodds, president, Saint Mary's University, who participated in today's breakfast session on Nova Scotia's innovative post-secondary institutions. "It also allows us to reinforce existing linkages with countries like Vietnam, among others."

Manny Calendrino, vice-president, eastern region for Fastfrate, a privately-owned Canadian transport company, said the mission is helpful for companies like his to connect with the private sector in other countries. "The Nova Scotia economic mission has provided me with valuable contacts in countries where FastFrate does not have existing relationships."

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

The program included a tour of the Annapolis Valley, with stops at Grand Pre National Park, the Grand Pre Winery and Fox Hill Farms. The dignitaries also toured businesses in the Halifax area, and learned 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.

During their stay, the premier announced the international framework strategy, which provides a blueprint for success, and further co-ordinates and focuses international efforts across government.

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 .