Agreement Strengthens Ties With South Korea

NOTE: A social media version of this release, with high-res, downloadable photos, audio and video, is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2010-10-18-Historic_Agreement/

Nova Scotia will have stronger ties with South Korea and better air transport networks with North East Asia after a new agreement between the regions' major airports.

Premier Darrell Dexter was in Incheon, South Korea, today, Oct. 18, at the signing of a co-operative agreement between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Incheon International Airport.

"This historic agreement reflects the respect, trust and shared values that exist between our airports and our communities," said Premier Dexter. "International trade and investment is key to creating good jobs and growing Nova Scotia's economy."

The premier also met with cargo carriers to reinforce the value of using Halifax Stanfield, helping ensure Nova Scotia can increase its cargo business from Asia.

The agreement, signed by Tom Ruth, president and CEO of the Halifax International Airport Authority, and Young-Geun Lee, executive vice president of Incheon International Airport Corporation, is the first of its kind for Halifax Stanfield. The airports are committing to work together to strengthen air transport networks between North East Asia and North America.

"This partnership is the product of the common interests shared between Halifax Stanfield and Incheon, such our focus on superior customer service, and our respective roles in the growth and prosperity of our communities," said Mr. Ruth. "This agreement is a terrific opportunity for us and for Nova Scotia."

Incheon is one of the largest, most progressive airports in the world. It is second in handling air cargo traffic, and 12th in number of passengers.

Premier Dexter attended the ceremony as part of a trade delegation to South Korea.