March 5, 1998 No. 45

NATIONAL OUTREACH PROGRAM

OF CANADA'S HEADS OF MISSION IN ASIA ANNOUNCED

Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi, and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) Raymond Chan today announced that 25 Heads of Mission in Asia will return to Canada for a series of meetings, and to conduct a public outreach program in cities across Canada from March 8 to 17, 1998.

Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Consuls General from Asia will participate in events involving a cross-section of Canadian business, non-governmental and academic groups, as well as provincial government representatives. The goal of the outreach program is to share information about the new realities in Asia.

"Developments in Asia touch the lives of Canadians more today than ever before," said Mr. Axworthy. "Our Heads of Mission in Asia are well positioned to gather and assess information about the region and the opportunities that exist there. This outreach effort gives Canadians a chance to tell the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade how they perceive our policies, and how we can improve our services, thereby giving new meaning to the government's commitment to consult Canadians."

The Canadian diplomats will begin with a series of activities in Vancouver, then will travel to Toronto (March 10 to 11), Montréal

(March 11 to 12), and will hold meetings in Ottawa (March 12 to 15). Teams will then proceed to Calgary, Winnipeg, Halifax and Québec City for separate programs on March 16. Meetings have also been arranged in Victoria, Edmonton, Regina and Sherbrooke. Video-conferencing will be used for selected outreach purposes.

"This domestic Team Canada initiative demonstrates that the federal government remains committed to promoting trade opportunities in

Asia-Pacific," said Mr. Marchi. "Heads of Mission in Asia will speak to Canadian firms about the current business climate and potential markets, and will share information about federal government initiatives that facilitate doing business with this region."

A series of business breakfasts on risk management in Asia has been organized for Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal by EDC (Export Development Corporation). The local Chamber of Commerce will also host a similar event in Winnipeg. Local Boards of Trade or Chambers of Commerce will host "Night of the Ambassadors" events in Vancouver, Toronto, Montréal, Calgary and Ottawa, giving companies direct access to the Canadian diplomats to discuss opportunities and strategies in their countries of accreditation.

"Profound changes are under way in Asia today, which are having a growing impact on Canada's economic, social and environmental future," said Mr. Chan. This timely initiative enables us to work closely with our partners to ensure that Canada maintains an effective presence in Asia. I am pleased to launch this cross-country initiative in Vancouver tomorrow, and I look forward to a full agenda of activities over the coming days."

This program has been organized through partnerships among various federal government departments including the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), EDC and International Trade Centres located in each region. As well, numerous local organizations are providing sponsorship and resource support.

Funding for this initiative has been provided for in the February 1998 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

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A list of participating Heads of Mission in Asia is attached.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Debora Brown

Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs

(613) 995-1851

Leslie Swartman

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Hilary Humphrey

Office of the Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific)

(613) 995-1852

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

Heads of Mission Meeting and Outreach Program Participants