NEWS RELEASES

February 25, 1999 (1:00 p.m. EST) No. 38

VIDEOCONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR

SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED ENTERPRISES IN CHINA

International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today announced a Canada-China videoconference that will highlight opportunities for small and medium-sized Canadian exporters in the China market by linking them with trade experts in both countries.

On March 3, exporters in nine Canadian cities will come together for the videoconference, which will include presentations by Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan, senior Canadian government officials in China, and the Canada-China Business Council. Speakers will then field questions from across the country, after which participants will take part in local information and networking sessions.

"Canada is working hard to expand and diversify trade with China, where there are real business opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses," said Minister Marchi, who led two trade missions to China in 1998.

"This innovative event will use a combination of high technology and more traditional approaches to have a true international meeting of the minds on doing business in this dynamic but complex market," said Secretary of State Raymond Chan.

Those taking questions from participants in the videoconference include: Howard Balloch, Canada's Ambassador to China; Senator Jack Austin, President of the Canada-China Business Council; Robert Collette, Minister (Commercial) with the Canadian Embassy in Beijing; and Michael Fine, Senior Trade Commissioner with the Canadian Consulate General in Hong Kong.

The information and networking sessions will focus on financing, business services, joint ventures and the business culture in China. Experts will provide an in-depth view of the challenges for small and medium-sized businesses in China, followed by questions and a networking session.

Participants will also receive a copy of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade's (DFAIT) new SME [small and medium-sized enterprises] Survival Guide to the China Market. The guide, also posted on the DFAIT Asia-Pacific/China Web site (www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/China), provides comprehensive answers to key questions that a new exporter would have before venturing to China.

The event is sponsored by DFAIT, the Canada-China Business Council, and Canada's Technology Triangle, a group of technology-based companies that works with the public sector and educational institutions in southern Ontario.

The participating cities are Vancouver, Calgary, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Kitchener-Waterloo, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Leslie Swartman

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Naseem Nuraney

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-1852

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874