Premier Leads Successful Trade Mission to South Korea and Abu Dhabi

Premier Darrell Dexter spent the final day of his trade and investment mission to South Korea and the United Arab Emirates exploring educational opportunities for Cape Breton University.

The premier along with representatives from the university met with officials from Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

"I was pleased to join Cape Breton University president John Harker to meet with officials to discuss how we can increase Cape Breton University's presence internationally," said Premier Dexter.

"Right now the university is working on becoming the lead academic partner for a new university in Saudi Arabia. I want to be clear that the government of Nova Scotia stands behind Mr. Harker and the university, and is encouraging them to pursue this unique opportunity."

Premier Dexter and Mr. Harker also met with representatives from the Canadian International College to discuss the university's operation in Cairo, Egypt. The university is looking to partner with the provincial Department of Education to develop and offer the International Graduate Diploma in Education to Egyptian serving teachers. It is also hoping to promote the Nova Scotia curriculum for K-12 schools in Cairo and Alexandria, and the development of further campus sites for the Canadian International College.

"King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia continues to show his commitment to post-secondary education, and Cape Breton University is proud to have been invited to assist with the development of a new, Canadian-style university in Medinah, Saudi Arabia," said Mr. Harker.

"This could represent a major opportunity for the university and other Nova Scotia universities to showcase just why Nova Scotia is Canada's University Capital."

Premier Dexter today, Oct 23, wraps up a successful seven-day mission to South Korea and the United Arab Emirates.

"This past week gave me the chance to have discussions with dozens of potential business partners on how to move forward with creating opportunities for Nova Scotia industries in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates."

The premier said that officials in South Korea and the United Arab Emirates rely on the presence of government officials to show that the companies and institutions they are looking to partner with have a good working relationship with their governments back home.

The goal of the trade and investment mission was to strengthen ties and forge future business relationships, not only in education, but also energy and the environment.

"This has been an extremely successful week on all fronts," Premier Dexter.

"I believe the message is loud and clear that there are countries around the world that want to do business with Nova Scotia, and we have to seize those opportunities if we want to create good jobs and continue growing our provincial economy."

Earlier in the week, Premier Dexter met with cargo carriers Korean and Asiana Airlines, and attended the signing of a co-operative agreement between the Halifax Stanfield International Airport and Incheon International Airport in Incheon, South Korea, to produce more cargo traffic between the two countries.

The premier also met with officials from Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering to formalize the deal with the province to make Nova Scotia the company's North American base to produce wind towers and blades.

Nova Scotia Power has agreed to work with Daewoo to assist with production and deployment of the parts, which means hundreds of high quality jobs, while showcasing the plant's manufacturing capabilities through North America.

Also in South Korea, Premier Dexter attended the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Dalhousie University and Daewoo that commits researchers from both groups to work together and share leading-edge research in renewable energy.

When the premier arrived in Adu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, he officially opened the grammar school that has been delivering the Nova Scotia public school program since the mid 1990s. Last year alone, Nova Scotia's international programs brought in roughly $850,000 in revenue for the province.

The premier also met with Sheikh Nahayan, the minister responsible for higher education, to further highlight and promote Nova Scotia's expertise in solid waste management. This will assist Abu Dhabi with its Centre for Waste Management, and its goal of becoming a world leader in sustainable and integrated waste management.

While in the country, Premier Dexter had the opportunity to tour the Abu Dhabi Higher Colleges of Technology to explore further opportunities between the two region's universities in the areas of coastal zone and marine management. The premier also signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance educational linkages between the two markets.

Finally, Premier Dexter took full advantage of his time in both countries to promote the Bay of Fundy and its nomination for the New7Wonders of Nature campaign. He also recognized South Korea's nominee, Jeju Island, and suggested that Nova Scotia and South Korea work together to support each another's candidacies in the campaign. Nova Scotians can support the effort by going to votemyfundy.com and casting a vote.