NEWS RELEASES

October 11, 2001

PETTIGREW LAUNCHES NEW WEB SITE FOR BUSINESS WOMEN

International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today launched the updated version of the Businesswomen in Trade Web site that will offer more comprehensive and user-friendly information to women exporters.

The new Web site has been updated to provide useful information to Canadian women entrepreneurs who want to succeed in the export marketplace. It offers export advice and information on trade events, missions and programs available to exporters. The Web site also includes links to key contacts in Canadian and international associations, government support agencies and financial institutions.

"Women entrepreneurs greatly enhance Canada's presence in global markets and contribute to economic activity within communities across the country," said Minister Pettigrew. "I am confident that this Web site will be a valuable asset for Canadian women entrepreneurs."

The first version of the Businesswomen in Trade Web site was created in June 1998. Since then, more women have begun using the Internet as a communication and research tool. In fact, there are now six million women actively using the Internet in Canada, representing 42 percent of users.

To visit this new gateway go to: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/dfait/

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sébastien Théberge

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874