<html>
<head>
<meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8">
<title>WTO RELEASES REPORT ON CANADA'S INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES</title>
</head>
<body text="#000000" link="#0000ff" vlink="#551a8b" alink="#ff0000" bgcolor="#c0c0c0">
<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1">December 17, 1998 <em>(12:15 p.m. EST)</em> No. 295</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">WTO RELEASES REPORT ON CANADA'S </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1">INTERNATIONAL TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today welcomed the findings of the World Trade Organization (WTO)
Trade Policy Review of Canada, which reported positively on Canada's trade and economic performance and its
commitment to a strong multilateral trading system. The results of the review were announced today in Geneva. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Today's report is more proof that Canada's economy is strong and its industries are adapting to the
opportunities in the global marketplace," said Minister Marchi. "I am pleased to see that the report
acknowledges the extent to which Canada's trade and investment policies are open and transparent, and
recognizes the value we place on a rules-based trading system."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">The Trade Policy Review found that Canada's pursuit of an export-oriented strategy combined with "prudent
macro-economic policies" has been an important part of Canada's recent strong economic performance. </font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">In addition, the report recognized Canada's work to eliminate export subsidies and reduce domestic agricultural
subsidies. It acknowledged Canada's work to further liberalize trade in textiles and clothing, in some instances
beyond WTO commitments, and noted Canada's efforts to improve its import rules by simplifying and
rationalizing customs tariffs.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"Canada's commitment to global free trade and a rules-based global trading system is clear and proven," said
Mr. Marchi. "Our country's success is built on trade. We need a fair and effective system of trade rules between
nations so that Canadians can compete on equal terms in foreign markets."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial">Today's review is the fifth since the Trade Policy Review mechanism was established under the GATT in 1989,
and it is the first interim review since the WTO was established in 1995. This interim review focuses on
Canada's trade policy from November 1996 to the present. The final report will be published by the WTO in
February 1999.</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: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
</body>
</html>
