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<meta name="Generator" content="Corel WordPerfect 8">
<meta name="DATE" content="11/12/1996">
<meta name="Author" content="SARAH HURMAN">
<title>EGGLETON LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS/CAPITAL PROJECTS INFORMATION SYSTEM</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">December 2, 1996 No. 228</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">EGGLETON LAUNCHES INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL
INSTITUTIONS/CAPITAL PROJECTS INFORMATION SYSTEM</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Honourable Art Eggleton, Minister for International Trade, today launched the
International Financial Institutions (IFI)/Capital Projects Information System
developed by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Projects financed by the multilateral development banks represent significant
opportunities for Canadian businesses. Canadian companies are eligible to bid on
over $12 billion worth of contracts open to foreign suppliers annually. The
IFI/Capital Projects Information System will provide Canadian exporters with
timely and accurate information on these opportunities and improve their chances
of success.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The IFI/Capital Projects Information System is making it easier for Canadian
companies to tap into these lucrative IFI-funded projects in the international
marketplace," said Mr. Eggleton. "This new information system is a true
reflection of the Team Canada partnership between governments and the private
sector."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"With 40 per cent of our GDP and one in three jobs dependent on international
trade, it is clear that exports are critical to our economy. Canadian companies'
successes abroad translate into more jobs and increased economic growth for all
Canadians," said Mr. Eggleton.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The IFI/Capital Projects Information System is a tangible response to the
recommendations of an Interdepartmental Task Force on International Financial
Institutions Procurement. These recommendations called for the development of a
mechanism to help Canadian businesses compete for IFI-financed projects.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The system captures, integrates and disseminates IFI project information. Contact
information is available on agencies implementing projects in borrowing countries.
Key contacts in Canadian missions and IFI field offices abroad are also available.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The system currently provides access to project information from the following
institutions:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> the World Bank;</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> the Inter-American Development Bank;</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> the African Development Bank;</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> the International Finance Corporation; </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> the United Nations Development Program; and</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> the Asian Development Bank</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Canadian companies may obtain more information on the IFI Capital Projects
Information System by contacting the Department of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade's Internet site at http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca under the
international business development category.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further Information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Nicole Bourget</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Director of Communications</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 996-6271</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http:///www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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