NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW: NEAR EAST A FERTILE GROUND FOR CANADIAN FIRMS TO DO BUSINESS
April 28, 2000 (12:00 p.m. EDT) No. 86
PETTIGREW: NEAR EAST A FERTILE GROUND FOR CANADIAN FIRMS TO DO
BUSINESS
The Honourable Pierre S. Pettigrew, Minister for International Trade, received a visit in Montreal today from the
Transport Minister of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Ibrahim El-Demeri, accompanied by several executives from
leading Canadian firms.
"The Egyptian economy is growing rapidly, opening up a host of business opportunities," stated Mr. Pettigrew.
"We need to be more present in this region, which is why I intend to lead a mission to the Near East early in the
year 2001. We will be inviting Quebec and Canadian firms to take part in this mission," added the Minister.
During today's meeting, the ministers and other honoured guests reviewed Egypt's main projects and priorities,
particularly in the transportation sector. Several of the business leaders invited to the lunch have already
obtained contracts in Egypt or are seeking business opportunities in that country.
For example, during Prime Minister Chrétien's last visit to Egypt, Montreal's SNC-Lavalin was selected as
exclusive bidder for an $180 million water supply project between the cities of Cairo and Suez. Axor, another
Montreal firm, is currently completing an $18 million contract to install a sewage treatment system in Cairo.
Two other Quebec companies are carrying out studies commissioned by the Egyptian government. CSP-Dessau, a Laval-based joint venture, is preparing a study for the Egyptian Civil Aviation Authority on a
proposed integrated security program for several Egyptian airports. LNS Systems Inc. of Ville Saint-Laurent is
conducting a control tower renovation study for Egypt's main airports.
The World Bank predicts that by the year 2010, the countries of the Near East will see their revenues double.
"In 1999 the value of Canada's exports to the Maghreb and Near East was $2.5 billion," Mr. Pettigrew pointed
out. "While this figure represents an 11 percent increase over 1994, we can and we must do better." Mr.
Pettigrew firmly believes that the Near East mission will help Canadian firms gain a larger share of this huge,
rapidly expanding market.
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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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