Knutson, Cordiano speak at CME's Business Session on Bulgaria

TORONTO, April 19 -- Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME), in collaboration with the Bulgarian Embassy, is hosting a milestone business session in Toronto on April 29, 2004, on opportunities between Canada and Bulgaria.

The event, which will focus on energy, IT and the automotive sectors, is organised by Export Development Canada (EDC) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The business session aims to bolster development of trade and investment projects between the two countries while highlighting Bulgaria as an emerging trade partner that can offer Canada access to the broader markets of the EU area at significant cost advantages.

Keynote speakers include the Honourable Gar Knutson; Minister of State, New and Emerging Markets and Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Trade, the Honourable Joseph Cordiano, as well as the President of Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (APMA); Mr. Gerald Fedchun. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development's Deputy Director; Mr. Michael Delia, representatives of Ontario Exports Inc., International Trade Canada, the Embassy of Bulgaria to Canada, the Bulgarian Foreign Investment Agency (BFIA) and the Bulgarian Ministry of Energy and Energy Resources (MEER), will also participate.

The Bulgarian International Business Association (BIBA), will give Canadian private sector companies a unique look at opportunities in Bulgaria.

Already a NATO member since April 2004, Bulgaria is recognised as a functioning market economy by the European Union, and enjoys credit rating of one-notch below investment grade (S&P, Fitch). Bulgaria is following the EU- accession path and is scheduled to become an EU member in 2007. It has achieved stellar GDP growth of average 4.5 per cent in the last several years.

The event will be held April 29th, 2004, from 8:30am - 12:30pm at St. Andrew's Club & Conference Centre, 150 King St. West, 27th Floor, Toronto.

To register for this session go to www.cme-mec.ca

For further information: A.M. Viveiros, +1-905-568-8300 ext. 288 or e-mail: aida.viveiros@cme-mec.ca