NEWS RELEASES
MARCHI MEETS ARAFAT TO DEVELOP NEW ECONOMIC LINKS
February 26, 1999 (10:50 a.m. EST) No. 41
MARCHI MEETS ARAFAT TO DEVELOP NEW ECONOMIC LINKS
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today met with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat to discuss
economic relations between Canada and the West Bank and Gaza. After landing at Gaza International Airport, Mr.
Marchi also went on to visit several Canadian projects in Gaza. In Ramallah tomorrow, he will meet with Palestinian
Minister of Economy and Trade Maher Masri.
"One of the main objectives of this mission is to strengthen commercial ties between Canada and the West Bank
and Gaza," said Minister Marchi. "We believe economic prosperity for Palestinians is an essential part of building
peace in the Middle East."
During his meeting with Mr. Arafat, Mr. Marchi discussed the status of the Middle East peace process, Canadian
commercial objectives in the region, and the Joint Canadian-Palestinian Framework on Economic Co-operation
and Trade, which will be signed with the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah on Saturday.
"The Framework represents an important milestone in economic relations between Canadians and Palestinians,"
said Mr. Marchi. "I am confident that it will provide the tools to build strong business partnerships in the future."
A delegation of Canadian business representatives is accompanying the Minister on this visit in order to explore
opportunities in the markets of the West Bank and Gaza.
On February 27, Mr. Marchi will also officially open the Canadian Representative Office in Ramallah. "The
presence of this office reflects the growth in our relations," said the Minister. "It will help Canadians develop
commercial ties, and will assist Palestinians in the search for economic stability and peace."
While in Gaza, Minister Marchi opened a children's playground in Khan Yunis, funded by the Canada Fund for Local
Initiatives. It was transformed from a dump site into a playground in only three months with a Canadian contribution
of $25 000.
He also witnessed the laying of a cornerstone for a future Canadian-Palestinian university in Gaza. This project is a
collaboration between Fanshawe College of London, Ontario, and Palestinian investors; the goal is to establish a
private university focussing on technical courses. Fanshawe College will be responsible for developing the
curriculum, providing teachers and managing the university.
"I have had excellent discussions with the Palestinian leadership," said Minister Marchi. "This visit marks the
beginning of a new economic era between Palestinians and Canadians."
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Background information on the Joint Canadian-Palestinian Framework on Economic Co-operation and Trade is
available on request.
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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