NEWS RELEASES
PETTIGREW ADDRESSES ALLIANCE OF MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS IN MONTREAL
April 14, 2000 (12:30 p.m. EDT) No. 76
PETTIGREW ADDRESSES ALLIANCE OF MANUFACTURERS
AND EXPORTERS IN MONTREAL
In a speech today before the Quebec Chapter of the Alliance of Manufacturers and
Exporters, International Trade Minister Pierre S. Pettigrew emphasized that the
Government of Canada and its Trade Commissioner Service is an excellent partner for
Quebec businesses looking to succeed in the global marketplace.
Minister Pettigrew made his address in Montreal as part of the first leg of a cross-Canada tour to promote the importance of international trade to Canada's economic
future. He will also visit Winnipeg, Calgary, Vancouver, Sherbrooke, Mississauga,
Toronto, St. John's and Quebec City.
"Countless Quebec companies have established a premier presence in the world
marketplace," said the Minister. "I'm confident that thousands of others will follow suit,
and you can count on me and the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
to help get you there."
Minister Pettigrew also invited Quebec businesses to take part in several trade missions
he will be leading in the coming year. These include: Australia (May 29 to June 2);
Russia (June 28 to 30); the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia
(September 11 to 15); Algeria, Morocco and Spain (October 10 to 20); and the Middle
East.
Over the past 10 years, Quebec's international exports have increased by 130 percent,
from $34 billion to nearly $78 billion. And over 80 000 new jobs created in Quebec in
1998 and 1999 can be credited to exports, mostly by small and medium-sized
companies.
These successes are led by Quebec's new knowledge-based companies in the
telecommunications, aerospace, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology sectors,
supporting high-quality jobs across the province.
"Trade is about jobs and opportunities for Quebecers and Canadians. It's a means for
them to succeed globally and benefit locally," said the Minister. "The Trade
Commissioner Service is there to support Quebec businesses as they enter the export
market, help them develop new markets, and improve their existing trade relationships."
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
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