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<html> <head> <meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8"> <title>'QUAD' TRADE MINISTERS TO MEET IN TORONTO</title> </head> <body text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#551a8b" alink="#ff0000" bgcolor="#c0c0c0"> April 21, 1997 No. 74 "QUAD" TRADE MINISTERS TO MEET IN TORONTO The Honourable Art Eggleton, Minister for International Trade, announced today that ministers responsible for international trade from the United States, Japan and the European Union will meet in Toronto from April 30 to May 2, 1997, to discuss key world trade issues. The ministers attending the Quadrilateral Trade Ministers' Meeting, known as the "Quad," will consider such matters as the current agenda for trade negotiations under the World Trade Organization (WTO), regional trade initiatives, and integrating the least developed countries into the global trading system. Joining Mr. Eggleton, who will chair the meeting, will be U.S. Trade Representative Charlene Barshefsky, Japan's Minister for International Trade and Industry Shinji Sato, and Sir Leon Brittan, Vice-President of the European Commission and Commissioner Responsible for Commercial Policy. "We must keep the momentum going on liberalizing trade and investment," said Mr. Eggleton. "As major trading nations, we must give leadership, as well, on new and emerging trade issues. More open and competitive markets encourage trade, stimulating economic growth and job creation." The Quad was created in 1982 as an informal forum for discussing trade issues. The Toronto Quad meeting will be held at the King Edward Hotel. There will be media facilities in the hotel. A backgrounder and details on media accreditation and facilities are attached. - 30 - For further information, media representatives may contact: Nicole Bourget Director of Communications Office of the Minister for International Trade (613) 992-7332 Media Relations Office Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (613) 995-1874 This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca BACKGROUNDER The Quad The Quadrilateral Trade Ministers' Meeting, an informal forum created in 1982 to explore major trade and investment issues, is an important consultative mechanism. The Quad trade ministers from Canada, Japan, the European Union, and the United States meet twice a year. One purpose of the Quad is to see how key trade and investment matters can be moved forward. It was instrumental in achieving significant progress leading to the successful conclusion of the Uruguay Round of multilateral trade negotiations. Toronto: Issues Among the items the Quad ministers are likely to discuss are: The current World Trade Organization (WTO) agenda following decisions taken at the first WTO ministerial meeting in Singapore in December 1996. This includes further trade liberalization in financial services. Negotiations on a new financial services agreement began the week of April 7. Progress on new issues such as competition policy and investment. The Singapore ministerial conference agreed to establish working groups to examine links between trade and investment and trade and competition policy. The relationship between regional trade initiatives, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Free Trade Area of the Americas and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum (APEC), and the multilateral trading system. Integrating the least-developed countries into the global trading system. Canada has proposed a conference later this year to consider how to help these countries take advantage of trade opportunities. The conference would involve the WTO, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and the International Trade Centre. QUADRILATERAL TRADE MINISTERS' MEETING KING EDWARD HOTEL TORONTO, ONTARIO APRIL 30-MAY 2, 1997 Application for Media Accreditation All media representatives wishing to cover the Quad will require a pass in order to gain access to the media facilities, which will be provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Accreditation is open to all bona fide news gathering agencies. Freelance media representatives must be sponsored by a recognized news agency and attach a letter of assignment. The attached application form should be completed and sent to the address noted below by Friday, April 25. Passes will be available as of 9:00 a.m. on April 30 in the Media Centre, located in Boardrooms A and B, Mezzanine level, of the King Edward Hotel. The Media Centre will be equipped with telephones/fax facilities (personal charges for long distance usage) and computer power sources. Media Activities The meetings commence on Thursday, May 1, and will conclude around noon on May 2. Current plans, which are subject to adjustment, call for a photo opportunity at 9:00 a.m. on May 1. A media debriefing will be held on May 1 at 5:30 p.m. A press conference will be given by ministers representing the European Commission, the United States, Japan and Canada on Friday, May 2, at noon. This will conclude the official program. Accommodation A range of possibilities are available in downtown Toronto including: Hotel Telephone Fax Royal York (416) 368-2511 (416) 368-2884 Sheraton Centre (416) 361-1000 (416) 947-4874 Crown Plaza (416) 597-1400 (416) 597-8128 Hotel reservations and all charges including telephone/fax charges are the responsibility of media representatives. Requests for additional information and submission of accreditation applications should be directed to: Charles Larabie Deputy Director Media Relations Office Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade 125 Sussex Drive Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2 Telephone: (613) 995-1874 Fax: (613) 995-1405 QUADRILATERAL TRADE MINISTERS' MEETING KING EDWARD HOTEL TORONTO, ONTARIO APRIL 30-MAY 2, 1997 APPLICATION FOR MEDIA ACCREDITATION FAMILY NAME______________________________________________________ FIRST NAME_______________________________________________________ AGENCY___________________________________________________________ TELEPHONE__________________________FAX___________________________ CATEGORY: ( ) JOURNALIST ( ) PHOTOGRAPHER ( ) CAMERAMAN ( ) TECHNICIAN ( ) OTHER (SPECIFY)_____________________________________________ FOR NON-RESIDENTS OF CANADA: DATE AND PLACE OF BIRTH__________________________________________ PASSPORT NO._____________________________________________________ COUNTRY OF ISSUE_________________________________________________ SIGNATURE OF APPLICANT___________________________________________ _____________________________ APPROVAL OF EDITOR OR MANAGER </body> </html>

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