NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW HERALDS CANADIAN COMPANY'S POTENTIAL HOSPITAL DEAL IN ARGENTINA
July 20, 2000 (3:10 p.m. EDT) No. 180
PETTIGREW HERALDS CANADIAN COMPANY'S
POTENTIAL HOSPITAL DEAL IN ARGENTINA
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew welcomed the signing on July 18 of a Protocol of Intent between
the Province of Tucumán, Argentina, and the Ottawa-based Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC) to build
a 320-bed hospital in San Miguel de Tucumán. The Protocol, signed at the Canadian Embassy in Buenos
Aires, indicates that the CCC, a crown corporation, will endeavour to arrange a feasibility study and financing
for a new, fully equipped general hospital.
"This agreement is beneficial for all involved," said Mr. Pettigrew. "It is an important step in securing a
potentially huge contract for Canadian-based industry while improving health services in an Argentine
province."
The CCC will enter into an exclusive subcontract with Montreal-based SNC-Lavalin International Inc. to carry
out the conceptual design, detailed engineering and construction of the project. The total value of the project
will be confirmed upon completion of the feasibility study (Phase 1), but is expected to be worth in excess of
$100 million.
Minister Pettigrew is in South America in preparation for Canada's leadership role as host of the Summit of the
Americas to be held in Quebec City in April 2001. He has made official visits to Chile, Argentina and Uruguay
where he met with government and business representatives to discuss key trade issues such as the Free
Trade Area of the Americas.
Mr. Pettigrew will head to Colombia on July 30 where he is scheduled to meet with Colombian President
Andrés Pastrana and other government representatives.
"Developing deeper bonds with our hemispheric partners is a priority for Canada," said Minister Pettigrew. "The
economic future of our country is linked to the health of the economies of the Americas as a whole."
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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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