February 4, 2005
No. A/13

MINISTER PETERSON TO MEET WITH MINISTER RACHID OF PARAGUAY

International Trade Minister Jim Peterson will meet with the Paraguayan Foreign Affairs Minister and current Pro Tempore Chair of Mercosur [Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay], Leila Rachid de Cowles, on February 7.

At their meeting, Minister Peterson and Minister Rachid will initiate a trade and investment dialogue between Canada and Mercosur in the context of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA).

Event:          Photo opportunity (open coverage)

Date:            Monday, February 7, 2005

Time:            1:00 p.m.

Location:     Colonel By Room, 4th Floor

                     Government Conference Centre

                     2 Rideau Street

                     Ottawa, Ontario

For more information, please contact:

Jacqueline LaRocque
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade
(613) 992-7332

Media Relations Office
International Trade Canada
(613) 995-1874
http://www.international.gc.ca