NEWS RELEASES

April 13, 2000 (9:00 a.m. EDT) No. 72

PETTIGREW TO PROMOTE TRADE AND INVESTMENT

ON CROSS-COUNTRY TOUR

International Trade Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew announced today that he will participate in a series of cross-Canada trade events in April and May. These events will reinforce the importance of trade to Canada's economic future and encourage more Canadian companies across the country to engage in exporting.

"We are experiencing one of the longest periods of economic growth and opportunity in our history," said Minister Pettigrew. "It is important to remember that this prosperity is due largely to trade -- to opening ourselves to the world and taking advantage of global opportunities. In good times, it is vital we continue to do so and not become complacent."

The Minister's Canada-wide tour will focus on how Canadian companies can work with the Government of Canada to enter the export market, develop new markets, or improve existing trading relationships.

In particular, the Minister will emphasize the importance of extending the benefits of international trade to every region in Canada. About one in three jobs in this country depend on Canadians' success in global export markets.

"International trade is the heart of Canada's economy and significantly contributes to regional economic development. But there is still a great, untapped potential in our country," said the Minister. "Small and medium firms and young entrepreneurs, particularly in the knowledge sector, show enormous promise."

During his tour, the Minister will visit: Montreal (April 14); Winnipeg (April 17); Calgary (April 18); Vancouver (April 19); Sherbrooke (April 26); Mississauga and Toronto (April 27); St. John's (May 23); and Quebec City (May 24).

In addition to speaking to local media and industry groups in each city, Mr. Pettigrew will open export seminars that will bring together local exporters with Trade Commissioners drawn from the more than 130 Canadian trade offices abroad. The Minister will also encourage Canadian businesses to take part in the trade missions that he will be leading. These include Australia (May 29 to June 2); Russia (June 28 to 30); Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia (September 11 to 15); Algeria, Morocco, and Spain (October 10 to 20); and the Middle East. As well, Mr. Pettigrew will participate in the Team Canada Atlantic mission (May 7 and 8).

More than 40 percent of Canada's gross domestic product can be attributed to trade. In 1999, the value of Canada's merchandise exports rose to $354 billion, up just more than 11 percent from the 1998 figure.

For more information on the Trade Commissioner Service, please visit the InfoExport Web site at: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/

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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