NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW TO MAKE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO MEXICO
August 24, 1999 (10:45 a.m. EDT) No. 186
PETTIGREW TO MAKE FIRST OFFICIAL VISIT TO MEXICO
International Trade Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew today announced that he will travel to Mexico August 25 and 26, his first
international official visit.
During his visit, Minister Pettigrew will inaugurate "Terre Sauvage: Canadian Landscape Painting and the Group of
Seven," a major exhibition of 75 paintings and sketches by Tom Thomson and the Group of Seven, opening at Mexico's
Museo de Arte Moderno. The Minister will also address the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico and meet with
members of the Mexican Council of Foreign Trade.
"It is logical and appropriate that my first official visit as Minister for International Trade be Mexico," said Minister
Pettigrew. "The North American Free Trade Agreement established a solid foundation for growing trade and investment.
The stronger economic relationship as a result of the NAFTA has also encouraged cultural exchanges to grow and flourish,
allowing us get to know one another better through our artists, writers, academics and travellers."
Later this year, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the National Gallery of Canada will host a show of modern
Mexican art, including the works of Mexico's two most famous 20th century painters, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.
Minister Pettigrew will also meet Doctor Herminio Blanco, Secretary of Commerce and Industrial Development, and
Rosario Green, Secretary of Foreign Relations. Mr. Pettigrew will review progress on the commitments of the Canada-Mexico Joint Ministerial Commission, the accomplishments and future prospects of the NAFTA and plans for the
November Ministerial meeting in Toronto regarding the Free Trade Area of the Americas.
Mexico is Canada's largest trading partner in Latin America. Based on both country's import data, two-way trade in 1998
was valued at $11 billion, up nearly 14 percent from a year earlier.
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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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