NEWS RELEASES
PARADIS PROMOTES TRADE, INVESTMENT AND CANADIAN VALUES IN CUBA
November 8, 2002 (9:40 a.m. EST) No. 141
PARADIS PROMOTES TRADE, INVESTMENT AND
CANADIAN VALUES IN CUBA
Denis Paradis, Secretary of State for Latin America, Africa and La Francophonie, returned to Canada yesterday from Cuba,
following meetings that touched on the full range of commercial, political, development cooperation and cultural relations
between Canada and Cuba.
Inaugurating the Canadian pavilion at the 20th Havana International Trade Fair, Mr. Paradis said, "Our theme this year is
Quality, Loyalty and Commitment. Canada produces and exports high-quality products to Cuba. For more than 40 years,
without interruption, we have been a trading partner. Canadian companies are committed to Cuba and have become Cuba's
second-largest source of foreign investment. Small and medium-sized Canadian companies have an especially important
role to play in this relationship."
The Secretary of State promoted Canadian culture and values throughout his stay, opening a photo exhibit celebrating
Pierre Elliott Trudeau and meeting with students and faculty at the University of Havana. In meetings with representatives
of the National Assembly and the Cuban government, he proposed reinvigorating parliamentary exchanges. "We should be
encouraging as wide a dialogue as possible, comparing perspectives and values. The large numbers of Canadians that visit
Cuba every year are testament to the affection between our two peoples and the importance of understanding each other
better," he said.
Among the senior government officials Mr. Paradis met with during his visit were Vice-President Carlos Lage, the
ministers of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, Basic Industries, Foreign Investment and Cooperation, and Government, as
well as the President of the National Assembly, Ricardo Alarcón.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Isabelle Mignault
Office of the Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) (Francophonie)
(613) 995-1852
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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