Prime Minister Announces Team Canada 1999

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will lead the fifth Team Canada mission, from January 16 to 27, 1999, to generate new business for Canadian companies in Ukraine, Russia and Poland.

Provincial premiers and territorial leaders will be invited to join the Prime Minister on the mission, along with a delegation of business people.

"Team Canada will continue our common purpose of boosting Canadian exports and creating jobs in Canada," the Prime Minister said. "By visiting Russia, Poland and Ukraine, we are making sure that Canadian businesses can explore the opportunities offered by these growing economies."

This Team Canada mission will be the first to Europe. It will focus on the following sectors: natural resources and energy, agriculture and agri-food, construction, telecommunications and information technology, and educational, financial, health, environmental and other services. In Russia, Team Canada will also highlight Canada's economic potential in the Arctic, the North and the Far East.

"This Team Canada mission will be tightly focused on Canada's business and investment priorities," said the Prime Minister. "Our climate, geography and our economic diversity along with the fact that thousands of Canadians have roots in the region offer natural advantages to expand trade and investment."

Team Canada will take part in discussions with many of the region's leading political and business figures.

The Canadian delegation will have a full program of business seminars and discussions to further their knowledge of local markets and to encourage links with local firms. They are expected to complete and sign numerous contracts and agreements.

Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and these three countries totalled nearly $1.4 billion in 1997, and the potential for more business is considerable as they continue their evolution into modern market economies.

Prime Minister Chrétien has led four Team Canada missions: to China in November 1994; to India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia in January 1996; to South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand in January 1997; and to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile in 1998.

These missions have led to business deals estimated at around $22 billion and have opened doors for Canadian businesses to important contacts and opportunities, creating and sustaining thousands of jobs in every region of Canada.

PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555


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