NEWS RELEASES
MARCHI ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN FOR HEMISPHERIC TRADE CONFERENCES
July 28, 1999 (2:30 p.m. EDT) No. 173
MARCHI ANNOUNCES SPONSORSHIP CAMPAIGN FOR HEMISPHERIC TRADE
CONFERENCES
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today launched a corporate sponsorship campaign to
support the upcoming Americas Business Forum (ABF) and the Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA) meeting to be held consecutively in Toronto, November 1 to 4. These
international events are expected to draw over 2000 public and private sector executives from
the western hemisphere.
"Holding these conferences in Canada demonstrates the major commitment that both
government and industry have made to help shape the future of our hemisphere, its
development and its integration. These conferences are also an unprecedented opportunity for
Canadians to showcase Canadian leadership and achievements," said Minister Marchi.
The negotiation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas presents a unique opportunity to create
the world's largest free trade area with a population of 800 million and an expected combined
GDP of $15 trillion by 2005.
Participating in the ABF and FTAA Corporate Sponsorship Campaign provides the Canadian
private sector with an opportunity to gain recognition, to build partnerships on an international
level, and to enhance its role in the economic growth of the region.
- 30 -
More information about the ABF and FTAA meetings or corporate sponsorship campaign is
available at: http://www.americascanada.org
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
Taylor Hladik
Manager, Corporate Sponsorship
Hemisphere Summit Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade
(613) 944-1691
| 
