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<title>BETTER ACCESS TO EU MARKET FOR CANADIAN SHRIMP EXPORTS</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">April 1, 1999 <em>(4:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 73</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">BETTER ACCESS TO EU MARKET </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">FOR CANADIAN SHRIMP EXPORTS</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today noted good news for Canadian shrimp exporters. After an extended Canadian campaign in
Europe, a March 30 decision from the European Union's Council of Fisheries Ministers will lower European duty rates on boiled and peeled
coldwater shrimp from April 1 to December 31, 1999.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"As of today, we've got better access to the European market, especially for shrimp processed on shore," said Minister Marchi. "This comes after
more than a year of concerted representations by me, by Canadian diplomats in Europe, by federal and Newfoundland officials and by the
Fisheries Council of Canada."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The duty will be dropped from 20 percent to 6 percent on 4 000 tonnes of boiled and peeled shrimp entering the European market in 1999.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">In 1998, despite the 20 percent tariff, Canadian companies succeeded in exporting 1 900 tonnes of processed shrimp to Europe, worth $17.7
million.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Newfoundland's in-shore shrimp fishery is especially poised to benefit. In 1998, the size of that fishery was up to a Total Allowable Catch of
30 000 tonnes. It is increasingly oriented to value-added processed products, and a main market is Europe.</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">Leslie Swartman</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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