NEWS RELEASES
MARCHI LEADS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO SAUDIARABIA
February 23, 1999 (12:00 p.m. EST) No. 37
MARCHI LEADS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MISSION TO
SAUDI ARABIA
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today concluded a two-day Canadian business development mission to
Saudi Arabia highlighted by meetings with Foreign Affairs Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal and Minister of
Commerce Osama Faqih.
"Canada's bilateral trade with Saudi Arabia has consistently surpassed $1 billion yearly," said Mr. Marchi. "We
believe that there is even greater economic potential in Saudi Arabia, and this mission provides an opportunity to
further develop Canadian commercial interests here." Forty Canadian firms accompanied the Minister on the visit.
More than 200 Canadian firms are currently active in Saudi Arabia, and over 7000 Canadians work in the country.
In Riyadh today, Mr. Marchi witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Canada-Arab Business Council
and the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry to create the new Saudi-Canada Business Council.
This new organization aims to intensify the business-to-business partnerships that are key to future two-way trade
between the two countries.
Minister Marchi participated in the ninth session of the Canada-Saudi Joint Economic Commission (JEC), which
concentrates on improving relations and awareness of Canadian capabilities in business priority sectors, including
education, transportation, training, and information technology. At this meeting, the two sides also agreed on
greater private sector involvement in the JEC process.
Mr. Marchi also observed the signing of two agreements by Canadian companies. SHL Vision Solutions of Ottawa
and Al-Daleel International Systems of Riyadh have agreed to pursue opportunities in large scale spatial data
management systems in Saudi Arabia. The partnership will initially result in projects valued at $5 million, leading to
potential revenues of $100 million over the coming three to five years. Edwin Industries Canada Inc. of Richmond
Hill, Ontario, and Almamee Trading and Industrial Corporation of Riyadh have agreed to appoint Almamee as the
Saudi agent
for promoting and selling Canadian-made medical equipment for cancer treatment. The partnership is valued at $5
million for the first year.
Yesterday, the Minister visited the Canadian-designed King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, which commemorates the
centenary of the process to establish Saudi Arabia. Several Canadian companies were pivotal in the building of
the museum, especially in the architectural, interior and exhibition design.
"This mission has helped to renew bilateral ties, and I am pleased that Minister of Commerce Faqih and other
Saudi officials will soon be visiting Canada," said
Mr. Marchi. Minister Faqih will visit Canada in early March, followed in June by Minister of Higher Education Khalid
bin Muhammad al-Angari.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Leslie Swartman
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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