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Minister Ablonczy to Lead Trade Mission to Peru, Colombia and Panama

November 9, 2012 - Starting Sunday, the Honourable Diane Ablonczy, Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), will lead a trade mission to three Latin American countries on behalf of the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway. The trade mission will visit Peru (November 11 to 13), Colombia (November 13 to 15) and Panama (November 15 to 16).

Minister Ablonczy will be accompanied by representatives of 18 Canadian companies and organizations. All three countries to be visited on this mission are embarking on ambitious infrastructure construction programs, and Canadian companies are well positioned to win contracts there.

“Trade missions are instrumental in job creation and prosperity because they showcase the strengths and expertise of Canadian companies and promote business opportunities in targeted sectors and markets,” said Minister Fast. “Our pro-trade stance has made Canada one of the most open and globally engaged economies in the Americas, and around the world.”

“Canada is committed to strong economic partnerships that will contribute to enhanced prosperity, right across the Americas,” said Minister Ablonczy. “Our government continues to take action to promote Canadian business abroad in order to create jobs and prosperity for workers and their families.”

The free trade agreements Canada has in force with Peru (2009) and Colombia (2011), as well as an agreement with Panama that is currently pending ratification, provide improved protection for Canadian investors and better access for Canadian products and services. Canada has made engagement in the Americas a priority since 2007, with a particular focus on increasing economic opportunities throughout the hemisphere.

The trade mission, organized by Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, is one of several strategically focused, sector-specific trade missions to countries that offer Canada the greatest potential for growth and success.

For more information, please visit Trade Mission to Latin America.

For information on upcoming trade missions being organized through the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, please visit Canada Trade Missions.

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A backgrounder follows.

For further information, media representatives may contact:

Joshua Zanin
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs)
613-944-2300

Rudy Husny
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway
613-992-7332
rudy.husny@international.gc.ca

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade

Backgrounder - Canada Trade Mission to Latin America: List of Participating Organizations

  1. Borden Ladner Gervais LLP, Toronto, Ontario
  2. Canadian Commercial Corporation, Ottawa
  3. Golder Associates, Toronto, Ontario
  4. IBI Group, Richmond Hill, Ontario
  5. Infrastructure Canada, Ottawa
  6. KPMG LLP, Montréal, Quebec
  7. LED Roadway Lighting Ltd., Halifax, Nova Scotia
  8. McClymont & Rak Engineers Inc., Vaughan, Ontario
  9. Pars Intermodal Inc., Montréal, Quebec
  10. Pure Technologies Ltd., Calgary, Alberta
  11. SkyPower Global, Toronto, Ontario
  12. SNC-Lavalin, Montréal, Quebec
  13. SolTech Projects Inc., Calgary, Alberta
  14. Terra Remote Sensing Inc., Sidney, British Columbia
  15. Thomson Technology, Vancouver, British Columbia
  16. TradeLat Consulting Inc., Halifax, Nova Scotia
  17. Xanatos Marine Ltd., North Vancouver, British Columbia
  18. XPV Capital Corporation, Toronto, Ontario