NEWS RELEASES

April 12, 2000 (11:00 a.m. EDT) No. 71

PETTIGREW HIGHLIGHTS EXCELLENT ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN CANADA AND FRANCE

International Trade Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew today welcomed to Ottawa François Huwart, France's Secretary of State for External Trade, on the occasion of the twelfth biennial session of the Joint Economic Commission. This meeting enabled the French and Canadian ministers to take stock of achievements since the signature of the Canada-France Action Program in December 1998, and to develop future co-operation plans.

The discussions of the Joint Economic Commission made clear the shared wish of the parties to further strengthen bilateral economic relations. They also highlighted the importance of strategic partnerships linking French and Canadian business firms, especially in the high-tech sector.

France will assume the European Union Presidency for six months beginning on

July 1, 2000. Minister Pettigrew stressed that "it is very important that the excellent

co-operation between our two countries intensify during the French Presidency." The discussions concerning the European Union focussed on the agriculture, information technology, telecommunications, aviation and environment sectors.

Ministers Huwart and Pettigrew also discussed certain major multilateral trade issues. They considered possible WTO reform and the importance of preparing for a new round of negotiations. Both ministers reiterated the importance they attach to enhancing and strengthening the links between Canada and the European Union.

In addition to participating in this bilateral meeting, the ministers held discussions with representatives of the French and Canadian aerospace industry associations.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Sylvie Bussières

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874