NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW TO ATTEND CANADA-EU SUMMIT IN LISBONAND OECD MINISTERIAL IN PARIS
June 21, 2000 (11:55 a.m. EDT) No. 157
PETTIGREW TO ATTEND CANADA-EU SUMMIT IN LISBON
AND OECD MINISTERIAL IN PARIS
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew will attend the Canada-European Union (EU) Summit with Prime
Minister Jean Chrétien in Lisbon, Portugal, on June 25 and 26 before participating in the annual Organization
for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Ministerial meeting in Paris, France, on June 27.
In Lisbon, Minister Pettigrew will attend various events with the Prime Minister, and will meet with the European
Commissioner for Trade, Pascal Lamy, and the Portuguese Secretary of State for Commerce, Dr. Osvaldo
Sarmento e Castro, representing the Presidency of the European Council. They will discuss a variety of
bilateral and international trade issues. Bilateral issues include wine and spirits and cultural co-operation.
"I will explore with my European Union counterparts ways to expand the $140 billion trade and investment
relationship between Canada and the EU," said Mr. Pettigrew. "Canada is also eager to work with the EU on
the launch of a new round of global trade talks at the WTO. Progress on agricultural subsidies is vital to the
launch of any future round of multilateral negotiations."
Minister Pettigrew will attend the OECD Ministerial meeting in Paris with Secretary of State (International
Financial Institutions) Jim Peterson. Mr. Pettigrew, Mr. Peterson and their counterparts from the OECD's 28
other member countries are expected to adopt new voluntary guidelines that urge corporations in OECD
member countries and non-member countries alike to consider environmental, labour and human rights
concerns in their international conduct.
"Canada is committed to a balanced global system that encourages both liberalized trade and the spread of
Canadian values and accepted norms of international conduct," said Minister Pettigrew. "Many Canadian firms
are already playing a constructive role in this regard by harnessing the forces of globalization so that they
benefit both exporters and global citizens."
The ministerial meeting will also address a range of international issues that OECD members see as
contributing to the continuing evolution of a just, global economic order, such as biotechnology and food safety,
and building momentum for a new round of international trade negotiations at the WTO.
Canada has also supported the OECD initiative for "Forum 2000," a public conference to be held in conjunction
with the 2000 ministerial meeting. The conference will bring together OECD ministers, heads of international
organizations, and representatives from business, non-governmental organizations and civil society, from June
26 to 28. Its workshops and seminars will address topics on the broad theme of "partnerships in the new
economy."
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Sylvie Bussières
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
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