NEWS RELEASES
KNUTSON TO LEAD TRADE AND INVESTMENT MISSION TO ARABIAN GULF
October 9, 2002 (2:30 p.m. EDT) No. 120
KNUTSON TO LEAD TRADE AND INVESTMENT MISSION TO ARABIAN GULF
Gar Knutson, Secretary of State (Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East) is travelling to the Arabian Gulf countries of
Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Kuwait to lead a Canada-Arab Business Council trade mission. The mission
will take place from October 9 to 22.
"The Arabian Gulf region is an important market offering tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies," said
Mr. Knutson. "Canadian products, services and technology are highly regarded for their quality and competitive prices."
The Arabian Gulf area is a market with strong potential for Canadian companies. Exports of goods reached close to
$688 million in 2001 while exports in the services sector are estimated at an additional $300 million.
"The Arabian Gulf region is enthusiastic about building stronger business relations with Canada. Canada's relationship with
the region is not simply one-dimensional; this mission demonstrates the strong interest of Canadian companies in the
peninsula and confirms Canada's commitment to the area," said Mr. Knutson. "We are working closely with the Canada-Arab Business Council to advance the interests of Canadian exporters and build a broader awareness of the opportunities in
the Gulf area. We want to open doors for Canadian businesses and develop strong two-way trade and investment
partnerships."
There will be 28 companies taking part in this multi-sectoral mission. They represent a cross-section of Canadian
businesses, including manufacturing, engineering, financial and legal services, information technology, architecture,
electronic banking, health care, investment, transportation, project management and education.
For more information on the mission and the opportunities available to Canadian companies in the Arabian Gulf region,
visit http://198.103.104.42/canadexport/docs/active/view-e.asp?did=2247
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For further information, media representatives may contact:
Susan McConnell
Office of the Secretary of State (Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East)
(613) 990-7769
Media Relations Office
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
(613) 995-1874
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca
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