NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW TO VISIT EUROPE FOR DISCUSSIONS ON TRADE, ECONOMICS AND GLOBALIZATION
January 21, 2000 (1:00 p.m. EST) No. 5
PETTIGREW TO VISIT EUROPE FOR DISCUSSIONS ON
TRADE, ECONOMICS AND GLOBALIZATION
International Trade Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew will travel to France, Switzerland,
and the United Kingdom from January 24 to February 3 to meet with leading
European government, business and academic figures, and to attend the World
Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
These meetings will focus on promoting greater trade and investment between
Canada and EU countries and will also give the Minister the opportunity to continue
his post-Seattle discussions on globalization, world trade and possible reforms to the
World Trade Organization (WTO).
"A rules-based trading system that encourages economic growth and development
is essential for developed and developing economies alike," said Minister Pettigrew.
"However, in working to strengthen this system, we must at the same time ensure
that we bring greater coherence to global trade and social policies."
While in Paris from January 24 to 26, Mr. Pettigrew will meet with François Huwart,
French Secretary of State for Foreign Trade, and Canadian Donald Johnston,
Secretary-General of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development
(OECD). Mr. Pettigrew will also pursue bilateral Canadian trade and investment
interests with French business leaders.
In Geneva on January 26, the Minister will officially open Canada's Permanent
Mission to the WTO, and will meet with Mike Moore, Director General of the WTO,
and Juan Somavia, Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The following day, Minister Pettigrew will travel to Zurich for meetings before
departing for Davos until January 31 for the annual meeting of the World Economic
Forum. The Forum will provide the Minister with a unique opportunity to meet with
corporate, academic, and political leaders who are interested in discussing a
forward-looking approach to global issues.
"The meeting will present an excellent opportunity to raise Canada's profile with
international business and financial communities, as well as with foreign government
leaders," said Mr. Pettigrew. "We will be able to support Canadian business
representatives at the meeting and discuss other issues of concern to Canada on
the margins of the meeting."
In London, on the final leg of the European mission, the Minister will meet with
several British politicians, including the Secretaries of State for International
Development, Culture, and Trade and Industry. He will also promote Canada's trade
and investment policies and objectives in meetings with, and a speech to, leading
British academics and senior business representatives.
- 30 -
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
| 
