NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW ADDRESSES NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS SYMPOSIUM ON EXPORTING
April 6, 2000 (11:00 a.m. EDT) No. 63
PETTIGREW ADDRESSES NATIONAL ASSOCIATIONS SYMPOSIUM ON EXPORTING
International Trade Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew challenged Canadian associations today to come up with
innovative ways in which they can work with the Government of Canada to expand exports. Organized by the
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT),
the National Associations Symposium on Exporting will explore how to strengthen public-private sector
partnership. It is being held in Ottawa on April 6 and 7.
"Co-operation between government and business is the key to successful exporting," said Mr. Pettigrew. "The
government wants to be a partner in exporters' successes. I am confident that we can all benefit from sharing
our experiences and innovative ideas.
"Associations are a key link in the exporting process," the Minister added. "They are often the bridge between
opportunities our trade policy creates, our Trade Commissioner Service network abroad, and the exporters who
make the sales. With exports of goods and services that are now equivalent to 43 percent of the GDP, it is clear
that exporting is vital to our continued prosperity and that a partnership with associations is crucial."
More than 80 delegates from Canadian trade associations representing thousands of members from all industry
sectors are attending the symposium. They will be exchanging ideas with other associations and government
representatives on how to assist their members in trade development activities. The delegates will have the
opportunity to discuss how to develop an export strategy, how to measure export success, options for trade
shows and Web sites, benefits of partnering, and e-business.
DFAIT has also set up an info-fair for the event that will provide valuable information to association
representatives on the various services the government provides to exporters. For instance, the Canadian
Trade Commissioner Service's booth will explain how their more than 500 business professionals in 133 cities
around the world can help Canadian businesses access local markets.
Yesterday, Mr. Pettigrew released the government's annual market access report, Opening Doors to the World:
Canada's International Market Access Priorities - 2000. The report presents significant market-opening results
over the past year and outlines the government's priorities for 2000 to further improve access to foreign
markets. It highlights the range of initiatives that the government will pursue this year at the multilateral,
regional and bilateral levels, as well as details on specific obstacles to be tackled in several markets.
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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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