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<title>CANADA AND RUSSIA TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC COOPERATION AT INTERGOVERNMENTAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION MEETING</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">November 1, 2001 <em>(1:15 p.m. EST)</em> No. 149</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>CANADA AND RUSSIA TO DISCUSS ECONOMIC COOPERATION AT
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION MEETING</strong></font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew will today co-chair the fifth Canada-Russia Intergovernmental
Economic Commission (IEC) meeting in Ottawa with Russian Federation Deputy Prime Minister Viktor
Khristenko.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The IEC provides an excellent forum to enhance economic cooperation between Canada and Russia," said
Mr. Pettigrew. "This meeting also takes place at a very promising time for Canada-Russia trade, with Canadian
exports to Russia having grown steadily since the spring of 2000."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Bilateral trade between the two countries totalled $866 million in 2000.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The IEC is an industry-led bilateral forum that aims to foster trade and economic relations, investment and the
transfer of technology between Canada and Russia. The IEC also seeks to address irritants that impede the
expansion of trade and investment and to resolve specific problems relating to market access, taxation and
legal difficulties affecting exporters and investors. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">During the meeting, working groups on housing and construction, fuel and energy, mining, and agriculture will
report on projects undertaken since the IEC last met, in June 2000, when Minister Pettigrew led a trade mission
to Moscow. There will also be a round table on northern cooperation.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">While in Ottawa, Mr. Khristenko will also meet with Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, Minister for International
Cooperation Maria Minna, and Minister of Public Works and Government Services Alfonso Gagliano. He will be
accompanied by a delegation of Russian government and business representatives.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Sébastien Théberge</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
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