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<title>CANADA EXPORT AWARDS 2003: READY, SET, GO! </title>
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<p><font size="+1"></font><font size="+1"><strong>December 18, 2002 <em>(10:30 a.m. EST)</em> No. 176</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font size="+1"><strong>CANADA EXPORT AWARDS 2003: READY, SET, GO! </strong></font></p>
<p>International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew is inviting Canadians to nominate the country's best exporters for the Canada
Export Awards. The program, which showcases the exporting success of Canadian firms, will be celebrating its 20th
anniversary in 2003.</p>
<p>"Canadian exporters are recognized around the world for their innovation and for the excellence of their products and
services," said Minister Pettigrew. "Their achievements help Canada remain a leader in international trade. We want to
highlight those firms that are competing and succeeding with the best in the world. The nomination period has now begun,
and we are asking Canadians to identify remarkable exporters from across the country."</p>
<p>Every year, since 1983, the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade honours exporters that have made a
special effort to develop new markets and export new products. Canadian firms in all sectors of the economy that have been
exporting for at least three years, excel in foreign markets and have demonstrated an ability to hold their own in an
increasingly competitive world economy are invited to apply. The Canada Export Awards is an annual event that everyone
should notice.</p>
<p>The finalists will be announced in July. The winners and the Exporter of the Year will be honoured at a gala presentation
ceremony and dinner in Toronto, in November 2003. </p>
<p>For more information on the Canada Export Awards program, go to <a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221031748/http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/awards-prix">www.infoexport.gc.ca/awards-prix</a> </p>
<p>To nominate a Canadian company, please complete the on-line form before January 31, 2003, at:
<a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221031748/http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/cea-en/Nominator.jsp">http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/cea-en/Nominator.jsp</a></p>
<p align="CENTER">- 30 -</p>
<p>For further information, media representatives may contact:</p>
<p>Sébastien Théberge</p>
<p>Director of Communications</p>
<p>Office of the Minister for International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 992-7332</p>
<p>Media Relations Office</p>
<p>Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</p>
<p>(613) 995-1874</p>
<p><a href="https://bac-lac.wayback.archive-it.org/web/20070221031748/http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</a></p>
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