NEWS RELEASES
MARCHI VISITS U.K. AND SWITZERLANDTO PROMOTE INVESTMENT IN CANADA, SIGN CO-OPERATION ACCORD AND REVIEW WTO TRADE AGENDA
December 5, 1997 No. 202
MARCHI VISITS U.K. AND SWITZERLAND
TO PROMOTE INVESTMENT IN CANADA,
SIGN CO-OPERATION ACCORD AND REVIEW WTO TRADE AGENDA
Minister for International Trade Sergio Marchi will visit London to promote
investment in Canada, Bern to sign an economic co-operation arrangement with
Switzerland, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva to
discuss progress on trade liberalization initiatives, from December 8 to 10.
Mr. Marchi will meet senior representatives of British industry December 8 and 9
in London to review prospects for investment in Canada by major firms. While
there, he will deliver an address to the Canada-United Kingdom Chamber of
Commerce.
"Many European companies are not sufficiently aware of the bottom-line advantages
that Canada offers them as a cost-competitive springboard to the world's richest
market," Mr. Marchi said. "It is vital that British companies be apprised of the
excellent conditions in Canada for investment, including open access to North
American markets, low energy costs, low inflation and interest rates, outstanding
physical and human infrastructure, and continuing strong economic growth."
In Bern on December 9, Mr. Marchi will sign a Trade and Economic Co-operation
Arrangement with Switzerland to stimulate increased co-operation and encourage
alliances between Canadian and Swiss firms. "This arrangement will enhance our
bilateral trade and investment relationship," he said.
The Minister will meet with Renato Ruggiero, Director-General of the WTO, in
Geneva on December 10, following which he will hold separate discussions with
ambassadors to the WTO from several countries.
"Canada attaches great importance to the maintenance and enhancement of the WTO,
and we are working hard to ensure that it remains strong and effective. As
Director-General, Mr. Ruggiero plays a key role in efforts to strengthen the
multilateral trading system, and I want to ensure that he is fully aware of
Canada's views as we move forward," Mr. Marchi said.
The Minister will also discuss ongoing trade liberalization initiatives, such as
the current financial services negotiations in the WTO and the impact of sectoral
liberalization under the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. In
addition, he will review plans for the next meeting of WTO Ministers in May 1998.
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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
This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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