NEWS RELEASES
MARCHI TO PRESS FOR FURTHER TRADE LIBERALIZATION AT ECONOMIC SUMMIT AND BUSINESS EXHIBITIONIN BRAZIL
September 4, 1997 No. 141
MARCHI TO PRESS FOR FURTHER TRADE LIBERALIZATION AT
ECONOMIC SUMMIT AND BUSINESS EXHIBITION
IN BRAZIL
International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi will visit Brazil from September 8 to
11 to strengthen trade and investment ties and to underscore Canada's strong
support for hemispheric free trade.
"It is vitally important to maintain momentum towards a Free Trade Area of the
Americas in preparation for next spring's Santiago Summit," said Mr. Marchi. "I am
also eager to voice Canada's support for the impressive economic reforms taking
place in Brazil -- our largest trade partner in South America."
The Minister will attend a World Economic Forum summit of regional political
leaders in Sao Paulo focussing on hemispheric integration, where he will meet with
his counterparts from several countries in the region. He will also meet with
leading political and business figures from the national and state levels.
Mr. Marchi will also attend a round-table discussion with members of the Canada-Brazil Chamber of Commerce in Belo Horizonte. The event is held in conjunction
with Canada nas Gerais, a business and cultural festival focussing on Canadian
business expertise.
Issues that the Minister plans to discuss with regional leaders include: progress
on work toward a Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA); the status of talks aimed
at developing closer links with Mercosur, South America's largest trade grouping;
and ways to increase Canada-Mercosur trade and investment through increased joint
ventures and partnerships.
In addition to business activities, Mr. Marchi will unveil a plaque commemorating
the 50th anniversary of the Canadian Consulate General in Sao Paulo.
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Leslie Swartman
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister for International Trade
(613) 992-7332
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
This document is also on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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