Minister of State Yelich to Attend APEC Meeting of Small and Medium Enterprise Ministers and Women and the Economy Forum in Indonesia

September 5, 2013 - The Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular), will attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Meeting of Small and Medium Enterprise Ministers and the Women and the Economy Forum. The meetings will take place in Bali, Indonesia, from September 6 to 8, 2013.

“Women, particularly in developing economies, face challenges in achieving full and equal participation in society and in the economy,” said Minister of State Yelich. “Canada recognizes the enormous contributions women make to the economy and to their communities and families. We are committed to supporting the economic participation of women, including those leading small and medium-sized enterprises.”

The meetings will involve more than 300 representatives from the APEC economies. Delegates will exchange ideas and make recommendations for policies that encourage entrepreneurship through small and medium-sized enterprises and women’s involvement in economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region. Minister of State Yelich will also have the opportunity to meet her counterparts from 20 other participating countries.

Representing more than 50 percent of global GDP and with a membership that includes four of Canada’s top five trading partners, APEC plays an important role in helping advance Canada’s commercial, development and security interests within the Asia-Pacific region.

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For further information, media representatives may contact:

Adria Minsky
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State (Foreign Affairs and Consular)
613-944-1291
Adria.Minsky@international.gc.ca

Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
613-995-1874
media@international.gc.ca
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