MEDIA ADVISORIES

March 30, 2005
No. A/30

MINISTER PETERSON TO LEAD TRADE MISSION TO INDIA

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson will lead a trade mission to Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and New Delhi, India, from April 3 to 7. This mission will bring together Canadian and Indian business people to strengthen Canada’s trade and investment relations with India, particularly in the areas of agriculture, financial services, energy infrastructure, information and communications technology (ICT) infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure.

Approximately 65 delegates from 51 companies, government departments and agencies will travel with the Minister to this emerging market. Health Minister Ujjal Dosanjh will also participate in the trade mission.

While in New Delhi, Minister Peterson will deliver a speech on the Canada-India business relationship, bilateral cooperation in science and technology, increased Canadian government representation in India, and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Doha Development Round.

Following the trade mission, Minister Peterson will travel to Chennai to officially open a new Canadian Consulate, which will focus on the development of Canadian trade and investment activities in the dynamic economies of Southern India.

A conference call with Minister Peterson for Canadian media representatives will take place on April 6. Please call the Media Relations Office to obtain the dial-in number.

For more information, please contact:

Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
Local cell*: (011-91) 98713-98908

Communications Office
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-9940

Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca

*Please note the 10-hour time difference between Canada and India.