The Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics, will participate in a ceremony marking the signing of a free trade agreement between Canada and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) on January 26, 2008, in Davos, Switzerland. This event follows the successful conclusion of negotiations between Canada and the EFTA announced on June 7, 2007.

The ceremony will include representatives from EFTA’s four member countries: Switzerland, Norway, Liechtenstein and Iceland. The event will be followed by a media availability.

During his two-day visit to Switzerland, Minister Emerson will also participate in a meeting of trade ministers to review the status of WTO negotiations and meet with several of his counterparts to discuss bilateral trade issues.

Event:


Signing Ceremony and Media Availability

Date:


Saturday, January 26, 2008

Time:


9:30 a.m. (local time)

Location:


Arabella Sheraton Hotel Seehof
Wintergarten Palais
Promenade 159
Davos, Switzerland

For more information, please contact:

François Jubinville
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway
and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics
613-992-7332

Trade Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
613-996-2000
www.international.gc.ca/index.aspx