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<title>MARCHI WELCOMES STUDY ON BENEFITSOF TRADE AND INVESTMENT LIBERALIZATION</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">April 28, 1998 No. 101</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">MARCHI WELCOMES STUDY ON BENEFITS</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT LIBERALIZATION</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today welcomed a study on the benefits
of trade and investment liberalization released in Paris by the Organization for
Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The study was presented to
ministers of OECD countries at their annual meeting.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This solid study helps show that, in the long term, liberalization of trade and
investment benefits society," said Mr. Marchi. "It is an important contribution
to public discussion of these matters. I urge Canadians to read it as they
consider Canada's future in the global marketplace."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">At their meeting last year, ministers called on the organization to produce a
"focussed, multidisciplinary study of the benefits of trade and investment
liberalization." Mr. Marchi noted that in response to the ministers' request, the
organization "had made a sincere effort to increase public understanding of
liberalization."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The comprehensive study, <em>Open Markets Matter: The Benefits of Trade and
Investment Liberalisation</em>, says that short-term structural adjustment is
necessary for longer-term prosperity, and that appropriate complementary domestic
policies are needed to ease adjustment.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The study also shows that liberalization of trade and investment has an impact
on other areas such as labour and the environment," Mr. Marchi noted. "Clearly,
trade and investment policy cannot be considered by any of our governments in
isolation." </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The minister added that the study could assist OECD member governments in
discussing these trade and investment issues with the growing number of
interested groups and individuals.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The full report can be found on the OECD Web site at
http://www.oecd.org/ech/special.htm</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Leslie Swartman</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This press release is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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