June 28 - June 30, 2000
Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, the Minister of International Trade of Canada
There has never been a better time to take another look at Russia. The Russian economy is on the rebound and shows enormous potential for growth. My trip is a chance to introduce Canadian companies to the new Russian government and to promote Canadian products, services and technologies in priority sectors such as housing, agriculture, fuel and energy, mining, aviation and telecommunications.
The trade mission will begin in Moscow and will coincide with the fourth meeting of the Canada-Russia Intergovernmental Economic Commission (IEC) to be held on June 29, 2000. The IEC, commonly held on an annual basis, is an industry-led bilateral forum that aims to foster trade and economic relations, investment and the transfer of technology between Canada and Russia. The IEC also serves as a mechanism to address irritants that impede the expansion of trade and investment and to resolve specific problems relating to market access, taxation and legal difficulties affecting exporters and investors. Following the IEC meeting, the mission will proceed to St. Petersburg for a one-day networking program with government and business leaders from Russia's important Northwest region.
Hon. Pierre S. Pettigrew, the Minister
June 9, 2000
June 29, 2000 (11:15 a.m. EDT) No. 167
PETTIGREW WITNESSES OVER $800 MILLION IN DEALS SIGNED
DURING TRADE MISSION TO RUSSIA
International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew today witnessed the signing of over $800 million in business deals for Canadian firms at a ceremony in Moscow during the Canada Trade Mission to Russia.
"The deals signed today demonstrate how trade missions are an important part of our efforts to spur trade growth and create jobs in Canada," said Minister Pettigrew. "The networking opportunities this mission provided helped Russia's corporate and political leaders realize the advantages of doing business with Canadian companies."
The deals signed today include contracts valued at $385.1 million, memorandums of understanding worth $157.2 million, letters of intent totalling $37.8 million, and a co-operation agreement valued at $220 million.
Representatives from more than 60 Canadian businesses participated in the mission, which concentrated on Canada's key sectoral interests in Russia, including natural resource development, infrastructure updating, agri-food and a range of professional services, such as communications, engineering and training. It was also the first international trade mission to Russia since the inauguration of President Vladimir Putin's new government.
While in Moscow, Mr. Pettigrew also co-chaired a session of the Canada-Russia Intergovernmental Economic Commission that addressed trade, investment and transfer of technology issues between the two countries.
