NEWS RELEASES

February 13, 2004 (1:50 p.m. EST) No. 23

PETERSON TO VISIT MEXICO

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson will make his first official visit to Mexico on February 16, 2004.

"Canada-Mexico relations have expanded into a close economic, political and social partnership, accelerated by the tremendous growth in bilateral trade and investment under NAFTA," said Mr. Peterson. "I look forward to exploring ways of further tapping the enormous commercial potential that exists between our countries."

The Minister also noted that 2004 marks the 10th anniversary of the North American Free Trade Agreement and the 60th anniversary of Canada-Mexico diplomatic relations. He added that Mexico's remarkable economic progress in the last decade has caught the attention of business people across Canada.

In Mexico City, Minister Peterson will meet with the Mexican Secretary of Economy, Fernando Canales Clariond, to explore ways of enhancing bilateral trade relations and to discuss a broad range of issues, including NAFTA, the Free Trade Area of the Americas and how to advance the WTO Doha Development Round agenda. Mr. Peterson will also deliver a breakfast speech to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and meet with Canadian and Mexican business people at several other venues.

Canada-Mexico trade has almost tripled since NAFTA came into force 10 years ago, reaching close to $15.1 billion in 2002.

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