"We are continuing to explore all available avenues, including acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures and partnerships."

More private enterprise would be encouraged, he said, including joint ventures with foreign companies.

First, foreign direct investment, including new ventures, acquisitions of existing companies and real estate purchases amounted to some $41 billion last year.

Meanwhile the company's operations had shifted north, including agricultural ventures on Vancouver Island.

They said they would consider an array of economic issues, including investments, joint ventures, professional training and sending in skilled managers.

He has not hidden his desire to bring more mainstream culture into the house, including ventures into film, musical theater and even pop.

Triad says it is in discussions with numerous nonprofit hospitals about a variety of arrangements, including joint ventures.

Furthermore, private investment, including joint ventures with foreign interests, has been authorized in the oil industry and in new areas of telecommunications.

Yet today the company has more than 20,000 business alliance relationships worldwide, including almost 400 equity investments and joint ventures.

He has plans for other deals, including "joint ventures," but prefers not to disclose them.