PRIME MINISTER TO ATTEND APEC LEADERS' MEETING IN LOS CABOS, MEXICO

October 23, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that he will attend the Tenth Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' meeting in Los Cabos, Mexico, October 26-27, 2002.

"In the last year APEC has proven to be a driving force in promoting regional and global trade and combatting terrorism," said the Prime Minister. "In Los Cabos, I look forward to exploring ways of further facilitating economic growth and development that will promote a stable and safe environment for trade and investment."

The Prime Minister also noted that ensuring the full participation of developing APEC economies in the world trading system - through technical assistance and capacity building initiatives - remains a Canadian priority.

In Los Cabos, leaders will assess progress since their October 2001 Statement on Counter-Terrorism and determine a future course of collective action. They will also explore ways to: support the multilateral trading system; promote small, medium and micro enterprises; strengthen markets; enhance transparency and foster greater participation by youth, women and civil society in APEC; and, address specific challenges related to globalization.

International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham will precede the Prime Minister in Los Cabos, where they will attend the APEC Ministerial Meeting, October 23-24, 2002.

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PMO Press Office (613) 957-5555