October 2, 2003 No. 97

PETTIGREW TO HOST NAFTA COMMISSION MEETING IN MONTREAL

Media representatives are advised that International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew will host his American and Mexican counterparts in Montreal on October 7 for the annual meeting of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) Commission.

United States Trade Representative Robert B. Zoellick and Mexican Secretary of the Economy Fernando Canales will join Minister Pettigrew to review progress on a number of NAFTA-related files, including the work of the Investment Experts Group, which is examining the operation of the investment chapter of NAFTA. This year's meeting will also be a prelude to the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of NAFTA on January 1, 2004.

Note: Events are subject to change.

Tuesday, October 7, 2003

Event: NAFTA Commission meeting (photo opportunity prior to event)

Time: 8:30 a.m.

Location: Presidential Suite (St-Laurent)

Hotel Omni Mont-Royal

1050 Sherbrooke Street West

Montreal, Quebec

Event: Joint press conference (open coverage)

Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12.00 p.m.

Location: Paloma Picasso Room

Hotel Sofitel Montreal

1155 Sherbrooke Street West

Montreal, Quebec

Event: Luncheon addresses by the three ministers to the business community (open coverage)

Time: 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Location: Pablo Picasso Room

Hotel Sofitel Montreal

For more information, please contact:

Sébastien Théberge

Director of Communications

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

sebastien.theberge@dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca