September 3, 1997 No. 138

CANADIAN BUSINESS, CULTURE ON DISPLAY

AT CANADA NAS GERAIS IN BRAZIL

Canada's business savvy and rich, diverse cultural life will be the centre of attention for eleven days in September during the Canada nas Gerais business exhibition and arts festival in Belo Horizonte, Brazil.

The September 3-14 event is designed to showcase Canadian companies in the dynamic and growing State of Minas Gerais. More than 100 Canadian firms are expected to attend the festival.

"This trade show symbolizes Canada's long-term commitment to forge closer links with Brazil, Canada's largest trading partner in South America," said International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi. "I am confident that this event will demonstrate both the many business opportunities in Canada, and the creativity of Canadian artists."

Business events will include:

seminars by Canadian firms on advanced manufacturing technologies, such as robotics, followed by meetings with interested clients;

an environmental mission that will help Canadian firms find partners and investment opportunities in recycling, pollution control and other areas;

an education fair involving more than 25 Canadian educational institutions; and

a food and consumer products show, tourism seminars, and an auction of Canadian beef cattle.

The cultural component of the fair presents a varied program, including: dance from Les Grands Ballets Canadiens and Margie Gillis; jazz from the Oliver Jones trio and Renée Lee; the Celtic energy of Ashley MacIssac and the Kitchen Devils; as well as performances by trapeze artists and country and classical musicians.

Other events will include:

Terry Fox runs in three Brazilian cities to raise funds for cancer research;

an in-line skate "Canada Cup" tournament involving teams from Minas Gerais and other states;

a food festival led by chef Stephane Paquet that will introduce Brazilians to such exotic fare as maple syrup, wild rice and buffalo steaks;

Canadian author Evelyn Lau's launch of the Brazilian edition of her novel Runaway; and

a film festival and animation workshop, an exhibit of Inuit art, and other cultural displays.

More than 90 per cent of the cost of Canada nas Gerais is funded by Canadian and Brazilian business partners who see the festival as an excellent opportunity to develop business contacts and boost their marketing in Brazil.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Leslie Swartman,

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department's Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca