January 17, 2006
The Manitoba government today launched Reaching Beyond our Borders, a strategic framework for building the province and achieving greater prosperity by maximizing international opportunities.
"Reaching Beyond our Borders is about co-ordinating efforts to continue to build our province," said Intergovernmental Affairs and Trade Minister Scott Smith, who launched the strategy today during a speech to the Manitoba Chamber of Commerce. "It’s a vision that highlights our competitive strengths to attract business investment, immigration, international study, and research and development."
Smith said the strategy recognizes and builds on Manitoba’s strengths: its highly-competitive business environment, well-trained workforce, diverse society, well-developed health and education systems, democratic government and high quality of life.
Reaching Beyond our Borders complements Manitoba’s Action Strategy for Economic Growth and targets 12 key areas including:
energy, science and technology — encourages research and development in three promising areas: life sciences, clean energy and climate change;
immigration — supports initiatives that continue to move Manitoba toward its goal of 10,000 new immigrants annually;
transportation — further develops links like the Mid-continent Trade Corridor, the Port of Churchill and the Inland Port Development Initiative; and
international education — supports the attraction of more international students through innovative projects such as Manitoba’s off-campus work pilot project.
"Manitoba has always been a province that looks beyond its borders," Smith said. "It is critical that we continue to nurture and grow our business alliances, trade partnerships and political relationships, and engage in international activities that are focused, strategic and beneficial for our economy."
One key element of the strategy is building relationships through trade missions that promote Manitoba as a prime trade and investment location, as well as tap into new export opportunities for Manitoba-based companies. Last year, Premier Gary Doer and New Brunswick Premier Bernard Lord led a joint mission to Texas. The mission, with stops in Houston, Austin and San Antonio, included representatives from nearly 20 businesses and organizations. The premier’s travel costs were $3,171. Costs for three staff travelling with him were $12,860.
For more information on the international strategy please visit the following website: http://www.manitoba.ca/international.
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