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<title> POLISH MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY TO VISIT CANADA</title>
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<p><strong></strong><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"></font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>May 15, 2000 <em>(3:40 p.m. EDT)</em> No. 104</strong></font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial" size="+1"> </font><font face="Arial" size="+1"><strong>POLISH MINISTER OF THE ECONOMY TO VISIT CANADA</strong></font><font face="Arial"></font></p>
<p><font face="Arial"></font><font face="Arial">International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew announced today that Polish Minister of
the Economy Janusz Steinhoff will visit Canada from May 15 to 20 to promote Polish
products and services and to encourage partnerships and joint ventures between
Canadian and Polish firms.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Mr. Steinhoff will lead a delegation of 25 Polish officials and business representatives
from the following industry sectors: machinery, energy, steel, agriculture, food
processing, construction and various consumer products.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">"We recognize Poland as the model among transition economies for the thoroughness
and success of its political and economic transformation," said Mr. Pettigrew. "As
Canada's largest market in Central Europe, Poland's dynamic economy continues to
create opportunities for Canadian companies in a multitude of sectors."</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">Two-way merchandise trade in 1999 between Poland and Canada totalled $345 million.
Canadian exports to Poland, which reached $160 million last year, include machinery,
cereals, vehicles and meat products. Canada's chief imports from Poland include
machinery and equipment, furniture and bedding products, iron and steel products, and
woven apparel.</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">While in Ottawa on May 17, Minister Steinhoff will meet with Minister Pettigrew, Minister
for International Co-operation Maria Minna and the Deputy Prime Minister Herb Gray.
Mr. Steinhoff will attend business seminars and hold bilateral business meetings in
Toronto (May 15 to 16) and Montreal (May 18 to 19).</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Arial">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Arial">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
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<p><font face="Arial">Sylvie Bussières</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>
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