February 8, 2002
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced he will lead a Team Canada trade mission with twelve provincial and territorial leaders and over 300 business people to Russia and Germany from February 12-22, 2002. International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew and Secretary of State (Central and Eastern Europe and Middle East) Gar Knutson will also take part to support Canada’s growing trade and investment relations with these countries.

"This Team Canada mission will reinforce Canada’s presence in the growing Russian market. It shows our support for the historic structural reforms underway in Russia that will create greater investor confidence and anchor Russia as an open, market-driven economy," said the Prime Minister. "Team Canada also offers great opportunities to increase two-way trade and investment with Germany, a vital partner in an expanding European Union."

In Moscow, Prime Minister Chrétien, the provincial premiers and territorial leaders will meet with President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Mikhail Kasyanov. The Prime Minister will also host a Team Canada networking event for Russian and Canadian business at the Luzhniki Sports Palace, site of 1972 Canada-USSR Hockey Summit Series.

In Berlin, the Prime Minister, provincial premiers and territorial leaders will meet German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder and participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for Canada House, the new Canadian embassy building. In Munich, the delegation will meet with Bavarian Minister-President Edmund Stoiber.

In 2000, Canada’s two-way trade with Russia and Germany reached nearly $870 million and $11 billion, respectively. Canadian exports to Russia in the first 11 months of 2001 increased by over 50 percent to $277 million over the same period in 2000, particularly in the areas of oil and gas and mining. Germany is a key investment partner for Canada, with over $10 billion invested between the two countries. It is one of the most important European markets in several key sectors, including aerospace, automotive and financial and pharmaceutical services, and is the third largest market worldwide for Canadian cultural products.

The Prime Minister has led previous Team Canada missions to China in 1994; India, Pakistan, Indonesia and Malaysia in 1996; South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand in 1997; Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile in 1998; Japan in September 1999; and China and Hong Kong in 2001. He has also led Team Canada Atlantic missions to Boston in 2000 and Atlanta in 2001, and recently concluded a Team Canada West mission to Dallas and Los Angeles.

These initiatives have helped more than 2,550 representatives of Canadian businesses and organizations gain access to international markets, directly contributing to some $30.2 billion in new business.

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PMO Press Office: (613) 957-5555

For more information on the Team Canada 2002 Trade Mission, including a list of delegates, please consult: http://www.tcm-mec.gc.ca/tc2002/menu-e.asp