Premier Leads Trade Mission to Korea and Abu Dhabi

Premier Darrell Dexter is participating in a trade and investment mission to South Korea and Abu Dhabi. The mission will strengthen ties and forge future business relationships in education, energy and the environment.

"A strong economy in Nova Scotia depends upon more trade and investment with other parts of the world," said Premier Dexter. "Building on our relationships with companies, governments and schools in Korea and Abu Dhabi will mean more good jobs and economic growth here at home."

In South Korea, Premier Dexter will formalize the province's business partnership with Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering (DSME) during a visit to the company's Okpo Shipyard.

In March, Nova Scotia entered into a partnership with DSME to operate a wind turbine tower and blade manufacturing facility in Trenton, Pictou Co.

"The visit will help accelerate the potential for further business development with this company," said Premier Dexter. "When officials from DSME were here last Spring they asked that I visit their headquarters to learn more about what they do and further strengthen our relationship and I look forward to doing just that."

The premier, while in Korea, will also meet with officials in the transportation and energy sectors to promote opportunities for trade and investment here at home.

In Abu Dhabi, the premier and delegates from Nova Scotia's education sector will market the province's learning expertise and post-secondary institutions.

"Nova Scotia already has a reputation for world-class education and we will build on the good work that has already been done to market the province's academic institutions," said Premier Dexter.

"EduNova is pleased to be participating in the mission to Abu Dhabi," said Ava Czapalay, president of EduNova, a not-for-profit association of universities, community colleges, secondary schools and private training organizations. "The mission provides a great opportunity to strengthen important education and training connections in this part of the world.

"Nova Scotia is recognized as Canada's learning province and building education and training into provincial trade and investment activity is a smart move."

The premier will also meet with officials from the United Arab Emirates to promote Nova Scotia's expertise in environmental management.

The trade mission will take place from Saturday, Oct.16 to Saturday, Oct. 23.