NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW PROMOTES TRADE RELATIONS AND CANADA'S COMMITMENT TO THE AMERICAS IN CHILE, ARGENTINA, URUGUAY
July 14, 2000 (12:15 p.m. EDT) No. 179
PETTIGREW PROMOTES TRADE RELATIONS AND CANADA'S
COMMITMENT TO THE AMERICAS IN CHILE, ARGENTINA, URUGUAY
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today reaffirmed Canada's strong commitment to the Americas
during an address to the Uruguay National Chamber of Commerce and Services in Montevideo.
"Our bonds with the other nations of the Americas are at the forefront of Canada's priorities," said Mr.
Pettigrew, who gave his address in Spanish. "To a much greater extent than ever before, Canadians now
realize that the economic future of our country is linked directly to the health of the economies of our
hemispheric partners."
The Minister is visiting government and business representatives in four South American countries in
preparation for Canada's leadership role as host of the Summit of the Americas to be held in Quebec City in
April 2001.
The visits have also focussed on forging stronger trade ties between Canada and Latin America, which is
becoming an increasingly important trade partner. Mr. Pettigrew is meeting with key government and business
representatives to discuss trade and business issues such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas
negotiations.
Minister Pettigrew was in Santiago, Chile, from July 9 to 11 and in Buenos Aires, Argentina, from July 11 to 13,
before heading to Uruguay. From July 30 to August 2 he will be in Bogotá, Colombia, where he will meet with
Colombian President Andrés Pastrana and other government 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
| 
