NEWS RELEASES
EGGLETON CHAMPIONS TRADE WITH SAUDI ARABIA
May 10, 1996 No. 89
EGGLETON CHAMPIONS TRADE WITH SAUDI ARABIA
The Honourable Art Eggleton, Minister for International Trade, will meet on May 15
with the Deputy Minister for Economic and Cultural Affairs of Saudi Arabia, His
Excellency Mohamed Ma'Moun Kurdi, to discuss improving Canadian-Saudi trade.
"Saudi Arabia is Canada's largest trading partner in the Middle East," Mr.
Eggleton said. "The benefits of the Canada-Saudi Arabia trading relationship are
apparent across our two economies in increased jobs, export opportunities and
business activity."
This meeting coincides with the Canada-Saudi Arabia Joint Economic Commission
(JEC), which is holding its eighth plenary meeting in Ottawa on May 14 and 15.
The Saudi delegation is composed of 50 Saudi representatives from the private and
public sectors. Forty Canadian business representatives will also participate in
the JEC.
"The JEC is the main body linking the private and public sectors in Canada and
Saudi Arabia. I strongly support its activities," said Mr. Eggleton.
Canada and Saudi Arabia established the JEC in 1976. The Commission seeks to
encourage and facilitate economic and technical co-operation between the two
countries in mutually agreed sectors. The Commission encourages Canadian
companies to seek out Saudi partners in responding to business opportunities in
Saudi Arabia. It also serves to promote greater awareness of Canadian technology,
goods and services in Saudi Arabia. Canada and Saudi Arabia have a balanced
trading relationship with over $1 billion in two-way trade.
The JEC meets biennially, alternating between Ottawa and Riyadh. The JEC last met
in Ottawa in October 1991.
- 30 -
For further information, media representatives may contact:
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
| 
