January 30, 1998 No. 24

INTERNATIONAL TRADE MINISTER MARCHI WELCOMES CANADA'S ACTION PLAN FOR JAPAN

International Trade Minister Marchi today announced the release of Canada's sixth Action Plan for developing trade and economic relations with Japan. The 1998 Action Plan will guide both the government and the private sector on specific areas where the opportunities for Canadian companies to market their products in Japan are greatest.

"Canada's exports to Japan grew by over 5 percent in 1997. In spite of the recent financial turbulence in Asia, Japan continues to offer enormous potential for Canadian companies with competitive products," said Minister Marchi. "The Action Plan contains a wealth of information enabling Canadian exporters to benefit from business opportunities in Japan."

Canada's 1998 Action Plan for Japan identifies specific market opportunities and market entry approaches for seven priority sectors: agri-food and fisheries products; building products; information technologies; health care and medical devices; and consumer products including furniture, sporting goods, giftware, and tourism. The Plan also provides a list of contacts for Canadian businesses interested in the Japanese market.

Canada's four trade offices in Japan, working closely with other Canadian partners and exporters, will use the new Action Plan to assist Canadian companies in the coming months.

Bilateral trade between Canada and Japan now amounts to

$22 billion, with exports and imports roughly in balance. Japan is the second largest export destination for Canadian goods and the third largest source of foreign direct investment in Canada.

Copies of the Action Plan are available from the InfoTech of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade at

1-800-267-8376 and (613) 944-4000. The Plan is also available on the following Internet site: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca/ni-ka

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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