Call goes out for trade mission to Turkey and Greece

Canadian companies are being invited to participate in a trade mission to explore and develop commercial opportunities in the markets of Greece and Turkey.

The tour, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and led by International Trade Minister Pierre Pettigrew, takes place from September 11 to 14.

"This is an ideal time for Canadian firms to explore business opportunities in Turkey and Greece. With the 17th largest economy in the world, Turkey represents an important market for Canadian goods and services," said Minister Pettigrew. "Greece has set an economic goal of raising its standard of living to the European Union average by 2010. That can only mean an increased need for infrastructure, and goods and services, which presents many opportunities for Canadian businesses."

During the period 1991 to 2000, Canada’s bilateral trade with Turkey increased more than three-fold. The country presents promising opportunities in the energy, transportation, telecommunications, mining and construction sectors.

Greece’s economy has improved tremendously over the last decade and it’s expected to continue exceeding the EU growth average for the foreseeable future, fuelling opportunities in sectors such as information technology and telecommunications, aerospace and defence, agriculture and agri-food. The country, which promises to provide excellent business opportunities resulting from its hosting of the 2004 Olympic Summer Games, can also serve as an additional gateway for Canadian exporters into other European Union countries and the Balkans, another region offering good trade prospects.

For more information on the trade mission, go to: www.tcm-mec.gc.ca/welcome-e-asp