July 2005

Rendez Vous - Newsletter (July/August 2005) - Middle East

What's new in the Arabian Peninsula, Maghreb and Middle East
***Special Announcements***
Events and Opportunities
Canadian Activities and Successes....
Did you know?
Tools - Before you leave home....

What's new in the Arabian Peninsula, Maghreb and Middle East

Readers are reminded to consult http://www.voyage.gc.ca for up-to-date information before making travel plans to the region. We also appreciate receiving feedback from our readers. Please contact: mona.bieber@international.gc.ca

***Special Announcements***

For your information, the following is an excerpt from the statement of May 17, 2005 by Canadian Foreign Minister, Pierre Pettigrew, announcing new restrictions on Canada's engagement with Iran:

Minister Pettigrew Announces New Restrictions on Canada's Engagement with Iran

Effective immediately, we will limit our encounters with Iranian officials to the Kazemi case, Iran's human rights record and Iran's nuclear non-proliferation performance. No visits or exchanges by Iranian officials to Canada will be permitted, nor will Canadian officials engage with Iran, except relating to these issues. Canada will not block the initiatives of private Canadian companies to trade with their Iranian counterparts. However, we will continue to apply strict export controls on sensitive goods and we will continue to advise business people about the political environment to consider when doing business with Iran. However, any active trade promotion efforts by the Government of Canada in the Iranian market are to be halted. Furthermore, any existing programs of cooperation between Canadian government agencies and their Iranian counterparts will be halted. This state of relations will persist until Iran has taken steps to launch a credible and independent investigation and judicial process into the Kazemi case. We have not decided to recall our Ambassador, nor to shut down Embassy services. We believe there continues to be a need for professional-level dialogue regarding the serious existing difficulties in our relationship. For further information, please contact: benoit.girouard@international.gc.ca

World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis in November

Following Geneva in 2003, the second phase of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) will take place in Tunis from November 16 to 18, 2005. This United Nations activity focuses on the human dimensions of information and communication technologies (ICTs). The WSIS is aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the information revolution and reducing the digital divide between developed and developing countries. This major event is expected to draw 15,000 participants, including 70 heads of state from 190 countries. The Government of Canada will be in attendance. There will also be numerous private sector representatives in Tunis for this Summit.

Another important event will be taking place alongside the Summit and at the same venue from November 14 to 19, 2005: "ICT 4 all." Plans for the event include a major ICT exhibition and areas for networking activities, forums, meetings, round tables and conferences. Key players and decision-makers from the private and public sectors will be taking part, as will international, government and civil society organizations and NGOs. Participants can establish contacts, increase their international profiles and take advantage of international media coverage. The Canadian Embassy's commercial section is therefore urging Canadian companies in this sector to take part in "ICT 4 all." This event will be an excellent opportunity for these companies to display their ICT knowledge, services, innovations and projects. For more information on the "ICT 4 all" exhibition, visit the official Web site for the event: http://www.ict4all-tunis.org. The exhibition and networking area will be open to WSIS-accredited participants as well as the public. However, participation in certain other activities requires WSIS accreditation. For more information on the accreditation process, visit: http://www.itu.int/wsis/participation/accreditation/index.html

For more information, contact Eric Pelletier, Trade Commissioner, Canadian Embassy in Tunis, tel.: 011 216 71 104 134, fax: 011 216 71 104 193 or eric.pelletier@international.gc.ca

Business Mission to the UAE and Saudi Arabia - September 17-29,2005

The Canada Arab Business Council (CABC) is planning a mission of Canadian business and government leaders to the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The mission is intended to assist experienced companies in this region to make new contacts and/or reinforce existing relationships, as well as introduce new companies to these rapidly expanding markets.

The CABC has an extensive network of contacts in each country. Mission participants can expect access at the highest levels to government and private sector clients. Business opportunities for Canadian firms cover major sectors, including but not limited to: Advanced Manufacturing; Agriculture and Agri-business; Oil and Gas; Engineering and Project Management; and, Education/Training.

The mission is aimed at senior executives of Canadian firms already active in these countries as well as Canadian exporters exploring these growing markets for the first time. For more information, please contact CABC at 1 905 568 9413. Web site: http://www.canada-arabbusiness.org

Events and Opportunities

5^th International Telecommunications, Information Technology, Broadcasting and Office Automation Trade Fair (Alger Telecomp) - Algiers, Algeria - September 11-13, 2005

This event will be held at the Palais des Expositions des Pins Maritimes in Algiers. For further information, please contact Fairtrade at tel. 011 49 6221 45 65 19 or fax 011 49 6221 45 65 25 or via e-mail: m.schaedel@fairtrade-messe.de Please visit: http://www.alger-telecomp.com

4th International Energy, Mining, Petrochemical and Electrical Engineering Trade Fair (Alger Energy 2005) - Algiers, Algeria - September 11-13, 2005

This event will be held at the Palais des Expositions des Pins Maritimes in Algiers. For further information, please contact Fairtrade at tel. 011 49 6221 45 65 19 or fax 011 49 6221 45 65 25 or via e-mail: a.pollich@fairtrade-messe.de Please visit: http://www.fairtrade-messe.de/goto/fair/7/0/0

Hydrocarbons Mission - Algeria - September 16-19, 2005

Plans are underway for a hydrocarbons mission from Alberta. Following Algeria, the mission will proceed to Libya and South Africa to attend the World Petroleum Congress. For more information please contact: Norm Morrison at tel. 1 780 427 6421 or via fax at 1 780 422 9127. He can also be reached via e-mail: norm.morrison@gov.ab.ca

Cityscape 2005 - Dubai, UAE - September 17-19, 2005

This 4th International Property Investment and Development event will include the participation of major investors, developers and governmental authorities involved in the architecture, development, design and construction of commercial property. For more information, please contact: venkyrao@rogers.com or call 1 905 896 7815. For more information, please visit the following web site: http://www.cityscape-online.com

Project Qatar 2005 - Doha, Qatar - September 18-21, 2005

Project Qatar 2005 will feature construction and environmental technologies, building materials, equipment and tools and accessories. Landmark projects underway in Qatar are fuelling a boom in its construction industry, generating strong demand for a wide range of related products and services. Contact: Raed Bishara, Canadian Embassy in Kuwait via e-mail: raed.bishara@international.gc.ca Web site: http://www.ifpqatar.com

QWETEX 2005 (Qatar Water & Electricity Technology) - Doha, Qatar - September 27-29, 2005

This 2^nd annual event will be held at the Qatar International Exhibition Centre. This is an important event in the region and will attract a wide range of participants and experts from water, electricity and associated industrial sectors. For further information please contact: tcfm@terra.net.lb or Mr. Jinan Zeidan at tel. 011 961 1 30 70 55.

SIHAM 2005 - Monastir, Tunisia, September 29 - October 2, 2005.

The Monastir International Clothing Show is a meeting place for professionals in the clothing and textiles sectors, and an event which favours the forming of partnerships and joint ventures.

SIHAM 2005 is the ideal occasion for Canadian companies who wish to establish a presence in the Tunisian market, to discover the opportunities offered by this market and to see and be seen by a diverse and targeted clientele. For businesses that are already active in Tunisia, this fair is the perfect occasion to build relationships. To participate or for more information, please contact: lassaad.bourguiba@international.gc.ca

SEA MER 2005 - Casablanca, Morocco - November 10-13, 2005

For more information, please visit: http://www.seamer-maroc.com

ALITEC 2005 - Casablanca, Morocco - November 10-13, 2005

International Exhibition of Food Process and Related Technologies. For more information, please visit: http://www.alitec-maroc.com

The Big 5 Construction Industry Show - Dubai, UAE - November 16-20, 2005

The Canadian Consulate in Dubai will again be organizing a Canadian Pavilion at the Big 5, the region's largest trade show for building and construction and water technology industries. It is estimated that 28,000 visitors will attend with approximately 1,350 exhibitors. Canadian suppliers are in demand and there is exceptional growth in the region. For more information, please contact Terry Gain at 1 416 932 1173 or terry.gain@interlog.com or Sanam Shahani at the Canadian Consulate in Dubai at: sanam.shahani@international.gc.ca

Index 2005 - Dubai, UAE - November 28-December 2, 2005

The 15th Middle East International Furniture, Interiors and Retail Design Exhibition, will be held at the Dubai International Exhibition Centre and is expected to include approximately 1,800 companies, spanning 52 countries. There will once again be a Canadian pavilion for the 5th consecutive year. With major construction developments currently underway, great opportunities in the interiors and furniture sectors in the UAE exist. Saudi Arabia and the UAE import about 75% of these products from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with Dubai accounting for 70% of those imports. For further information, please contact: Venky Rao at 1 905 896 7815 or e-mail: indexdubai@rogers.com For more information on market prospects and doing business in the UAE, please contact Sanam Shahani, Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate in Dubai at: sanam.shahani@international.gc.ca

AUTO+ - Tunis, Tunisia - November 30-December 3, 2005

This international trade show for auto parts and accessories will showcase the latest technologies, products, services and components for the automobile industry. Please contact: lassaad.bourguiba@international.gc.ca for further information or visit the following web site: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/tn

Gulf Print - Dubai, UAE - December 11-14, 2005

Gulf Print is a premier print and publishing trade show, with exhibitors targeting a variety of print technology and equipment buyers from a diverse range of industries. Last year's Gulf Print attracted over 6,000 visitors from 77 countries and saw over $21 million in sales during the course of the show. Please contact: mailto:venkyrao@rogers.com for further information or visit the following web site: http://www.gulfprint.info

Gulf Pack - July 5, 2005 - Dubai, UAE - December 11-14, 2005

Gulf Pack, the Middle East's leading packaging trade event, will feature equipment and machinery for consumer goods, foods and beverages, pharmaceutical products, cosmetics, information technology and agriculture. Contact: venkyrao@rogers.com Web site: http://www.gulfpack.info

To learn about events organized in Lybia, please refer to http://www.libyaevents.com

For a comprehensive list of trade events in the Middle East and North Africa region, please visit http://www.middleeastevents.com

To learn more about fairs organized in Egypt, please consult the following web sites: http://www.goief.gov.eg; http://www.cicc.egnet.net ; http://www.fairguide.com ; http://www.agd-exhibitions.net ; http://www.acg-itefairs.com ; http://www.eromic.com ; http://www.roag.com ; and http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/DisplayDocument.jsp?did=3955&gid-126

To learn more about fairs organized in Kuwait, please consult the following web site: http://www.kif.net or contact the Canadian Embassy in Kuwait at kwait-td@international.gc.ca

Canadian Activities and Successes....

The Government of Canada organized a Global Partnering Event at BIO2005 which was held in Philadelphia in June. The partnering event was well attended by Israeli companies. In addition, several meetings were organized during BIO2005 between Canadian biotechnology companies, research institutions, and universities and their Israeli counterparts to foster strategic alliances and joint ventures. For further information, please contact: mona.mansour-ashkar@international.gc.ca

The Canadian Embassy, Israel organized a number of events and meetings at the mid-June Paris Air Show. Together with Industry Canada, AIAC, and sponsored by the Canadian Commercial Corporation, a Canadian-Israeli networking event was held at the Canadian Pavilion. Participating were senior representatives from Canadian and Israeli aerospace companies, as well as government officials. For further information please contact: jessica.nachlas@international.gc.ca

On the occasion of Nortel Israel's 2005 Roadshow, the Canadian Embassy, Israel, hosted a reception which was sponsored by Nortel. Over 100 senior Israeli telecom executives and various Ambassadors were in attendance. Mr. Rene Wassill, Senior Trade Commissioner, at the embassy, opened Nortel's Conference and highlighted Canada's contribution to the telecommunications industry. For further information please contact: jessica.nachlas@international.gc.ca

In partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, the Faculty of Agriculture of Alexandria University, and Agriculture and Agri-food Canada, the Canadian Embassy in Egypt organized a 4-day symposium, June 5-9, 2005, on Health and Production Benefits of Canola and Olive Oils. Six Canadian scientists presented remarks about the use and health/nutritional benefits of canola oil and meal. Two hundred participants were in attendance. The Egyptian government is currently considering increasing the planted area of canola from 1,750 acres to 100,000 acres.

The Canadian mining company, Metalex, has recently acquired a new exploration licence in the south-east of Morocco. The licence covers a zone of 11.294km2 for which the company has indices for diamond layers.

Morocco's Office National de l'Electricite has short listed 4 consortia and companies to build and operate the 800-MW Al Wahda gas-fired, combined-cycle plant planned for Sidi Kacem Province, including SNC-Lavalin of Canada.

More than 200 national and foreign exhibitors took part in the Forum méditerranéen de l'àgriculture et du développement rural (Mediterranean agriculture and rural development forum) which was held in Algeria in May. Two Canadian companies, Concentrés Scientifiques Belisle, which specializes in the production of feed concentrates, and Milpro, specializing in farming equipment and gain storage, were present. The forum highlighted numerous business opportunities available, particularly in the areas of livestock, soil fertilization and dairy production.

Canada`s participation in the 38th Algiers International Fair, held in June, was a huge success with the participation of 25 exhibitors and sponsors: RSWI-Scatt, ADF, Smart Technologies, Robotel, Mailhot Industrie, Gedco, Canada Grain, Proulx Mondial, Citam Inc., Nortel, CRC-Sogema, Marine Dragage, Éditions Làrtichaut, Développement International Desjardins, Forum Francophone des Affaires, SNC-Lavalin, Dessau-Soprin, Unicom, Bombardier Aerospace, RSW Inc., Electro-Motive Canada, Petro Canada and Canada`s Department of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Over 1000 foreign exhibitors took part in this year`s event, a marked increase over previous fairs.

Did you Know?

Iran is one of the biggest dam building countries in the world, ranking third worldwide after China and Turkey in terms of dam building. The country generated 39,700 megawatts of power -- of which more than 32,600 megawatts has been generated in the post-Islamic Revolution era. Over 162 billion kilovolts of energy has been generated in the country, with more than 45,000 villages across the country being provided with electricity by March 20, 2006. The number of energy subscribers has risen to 19,294,000 from a mere 2,496,000 before the Islamic Revolution.

Currently 86 dams are under construction in the country, the majority of which are to become operational during the fourth Five-Year Economic Development Plan (2005-10). The high level of dam construction is due in part to the fact that, in addition to its increasing energy and electricity demands, Iran faces continuing worries and threats over supplying the demand for water, including the low level volume of water and constant droughts, which has led the government to making further investment in the water sector. Such investment in developing new dams to create new water supply sources will be critical for the country since only 8.5-9% of the Iranian population currently use sewage systems and the government has expressed the hope that the figure will increase to 30-40% by the end of 2010.

In terms of gas power plants, Iran ranks among the top 10 countries in the world. Iran is currently exporting electricity to Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq and is exchanging energy with Armenia, while Iranian contractors are building three power plants in two African states and Tajikistan.

The construction of the 320 km Oujda-Fez motorway, linking eastern and central Morocco is scheduled to begin in September 2006. Technical studies for the motorway project are currently underway.

Morocco's economy grew 3.5% per year and 5.5% per year during 2003 and 2004 respectively.

Morocco will import 4.9 million tonnes of cereals over the next 12 months, including 2.3 million tonnes of soft wheat, to cover a drought-induced shortfall in domestic production.

During the First International Congress on Water, Algeria's Minister of Water Resources announced that an international call for tenders would be issued shortly for the construction of 4 dams at Jijel, Tébessa and Oum El Bouaghi.

Tools - Before you leave home....

The Web sites for all of the embassies and consulates abroad are continually updated and contain a wealth of information that can be extremely valuable to those interested in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) market. Consult: http://www.itcan-cican.gc.ca/cdn_bus-en.asp individual country web sites as well as for market reports in all sectors.

Visit http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/trade/menu-en.asp which provides exporters with important information and links to other government and private-sector organizations that are active in trade promotion which Canadian companies may find useful.

See you next issue!