February 5, 1998 No. 26

MINISTERS WELCOME AGREEMENT TO OPEN TELECOMMUNICATIONS MARKETS

International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi and Industry Minister John Manley today welcomed the implementation of the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) Agreement on Basic Telecommunications.

The Agreement on Basic Telecommunications was negotiated in Geneva in February 1997 by member countries of the World Trade Organization. Canada and 71 other countries have committed to liberalizing their markets for telecommunications services.

"Increased access to this $880-billion global telecommunications services market will mean more opportunities for Canadian exporters and more jobs for Canadians," said Minister Marchi. "Canadian companies are in a superb position to profit from this Agreement," he added.

"The implementation of this Agreement marks an important step in the liberalization of global telecommunications services," said Minister Manley. "The Agreement on Basic Telecommunications opens the doors for Canada's telecommunications industry to compete in this important sector."

The telecommunications sector is vital to the Canadian economy, contributing some $18 billion or 3.3 percent of the gross national product. The industry is also a source of high-quality jobs, employing 145 000 people across Canada.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Leslie Swartman

Office of the Minister for International Trade

(613) 992-7332

Jennifer Sloan

Office of the Minister of Industry

(613) 995-9001

Media Relations Office

Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade

(613) 995-1874

This document is also available on the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Internet site: http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca