November 2, 1998 (12:00 p.m. EST) No. 249

CANADA-ALGERIA BILATERAL COMMISSION

TO MEET IN OTTAWA

International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today announced that the Canada-Algeria Bilateral Commission is meeting in Ottawa, November 2 and 3.

"The Algerian market offers Canadian entrepreneurs good partnership and investment opportunities, and I urge them to take an active interest in this market," said Minister Marchi, who is co-chairing the meeting.

Agriculture and Fisheries Minister Boulahouadjeb Benalia is leading the Algerian delegation. He is accompanied by representatives of the Government of Algeria and business people.

"I am particularly pleased to co-chair for the first time this Bilateral Commission meeting with our largest trading partner in North Africa and the Middle East," said Mr. Marchi.

In 1997, Canada's exports to Algeria, mainly wheat and dairy products, totalled $622 million. Canada's imports from Algeria, mainly petroleum products, totalled $610 million. Canada also exports services of considerable value to Algeria.

After the Commission meeting, the Algerian delegation will be in Montreal November 4 and 5 to meet representatives of the business community. The Canada-Algeria Bilateral Commission has a mandate to review all of our relations, particularly trade relations.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Leslie Swartman

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