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<title>CANADA-ALGERIA BILATERAL COMMISSION TO MEET IN OTTAWA</title>
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<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">November 2, 1998 <em>(12:00 p.m. EST)</em> No. 249</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">CANADA-ALGERIA BILATERAL COMMISSION </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">TO MEET IN OTTAWA</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today announced that the Canada-Algeria Bilateral Commission is
meeting in Ottawa, November 2 and 3.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"The Algerian market offers Canadian entrepreneurs good partnership and investment opportunities, and I urge
them to take an active interest in this market," said Minister Marchi, who is co-chairing the meeting.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Boulahouadjeb Benalia is leading the Algerian delegation. He is
accompanied by representatives of the Government of Algeria and business people.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"I am particularly pleased to co-chair for the first time this Bilateral Commission meeting with our largest trading
partner in North Africa and the Middle East," said Mr. Marchi.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">In 1997, Canada's exports to Algeria, mainly wheat and dairy products, totalled $622 million. Canada's imports
from Algeria, mainly petroleum products, totalled $610 million. Canada also exports services of considerable
value to Algeria.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">After the Commission meeting, the Algerian delegation will be in Montreal November 4 and 5 to meet
representatives of the business community. The Canada-Algeria Bilateral Commission has a mandate to review
all of our relations, particularly trade relations.</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>
<p><font face="Arial">This document is also available on the Department 's Internet site:</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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