Newfoundland and Labrador's Partnership with
the
Republic of Ireland The Ireland Business
Partnerships (IBP) was established as a public/private partnership between the private sector and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador in 1997. The
organization was established in response to the Signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) between the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the
Government of Ireland in 1996. The IBP has a mandate to identify, foster and
promote trade and partnership opportunities in business, education and culture
between
Newfoundland and Ireland.
After a visit to Ireland in July 2004 and
a meeting with the Prime Minister of Ireland, Premier Williams re-signed the MOU
and reaffirmed the relationship with Ireland and committed to strengthening
Newfoundland's participation in the initiative. Government subsequently moved
the Ireland Business Partnerships and the Executive Director position into
government, within the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development,
increasing the profile of the initiative and adding resources through an
increased budget and through providing access to departmental resources. An
IBP Advisory Board was appointed
in September 2005 to provide strategic direction and policy advice to the
Partnerships.
The
IBP Advisory Board is a volunteer
board appointed by the Premier to advise the IBP on strategic directions and to
provide policy advice. The Board meets quarterly with various sub-committees of
the Board meeting regularly on various areas of strategic priority.
What We Do?
Through its strategic partners,
contacts and resources, the IBP can provide the following support to
Newfoundland and Labrador businesses and organizations:
-
Up-to-date profile
information on the Irish economy and business including development and
investment programs, legislation, and regulations of both Ireland and the
European Union.
-
Exploring the potential
for co-operative exchanges, collaboration and strategic partnerships in
support of economic growth and development.
-
Facilitating the
establishment of strategic alliances through marketing agreements, joint
ventures, licensing agreements, technology transfer or research and
development initiatives.
-
Coordination of one on
one meetings with strategic Irish businesses, agencies and organizations to
help fast track business opportunities.
-
Organization of outgoing
and incoming trade missions between the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador
and the Republic of Ireland.
The Irish/Newfoundland
Connection
Within Ireland, the IBP has established solid relationships with key individuals
in strategic sectors to enable the identification of business partnerships. The
Office of the Taoiseach, the Irish Prime Minister, provides strong support to
ensure opportunities can be optimized.
In April 2001, Hon. Noel
Treacy, Minister for State for Science, Technology and Commerce, Government of
Ireland, formally inaugurated the
Ireland
Newfoundland Partnership (INP) in order to
promote economic and related co-operation between Ireland and Newfoundland and
Labrador. The INP, under the guidance of its Executive Director and high-profile
list of Board Members (representing both public and private sectors) acts as a
counterpart to Ireland Business Partnerships and assists in identifying joint
opportunities for both Irish and Newfoundland interests.
2005-06 Anual Report (PDF)
To Find Out More
Visit the Ireland Business Partnerships website at
http://www.ibp.nl.ca
OR Contact:
Renee Williams
Industry Development Officer
Ireland Business Partnerships
c/o Dept. of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
2nd Floor, West Block, Confederation Bldg.
P.O. Box 8700,
St. John's, NL Canada A1B 4J6
Telephone: 001 709 729 1629 Fax: 001 709 729 2236
Email:
ibp@ibp.nl.ca
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