Prairie provinces host trade conference (05/04/97)

Prairie provinces host trade conference

by Terry Coyes

EDMONTON - Increased opportunities for business and jobs will be the result of a new trade initiative between Canada and Ukraine.

The Canada Ukraine Business Initiative '97 (CUBI '97) is a private-sector-driven trade promotion program. It will be a combined business conference, trade show and business networking event designed to bring together Ukrainian and Canadian businesses in the sectors of energy, agriculture and agri-business, and construction.

It is supported by the government of Ukraine, the government of Canada through the departments of Western Economic Diversification and Foreign Affairs and International Trade, as well as the provincial governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. CUBI '97 works in close association with the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies at the University of Alberta.

"A new spirit of cooperation and partnership in business will be the result of this new trade initiative," said Lloyd Axworthy, minister of foreign affairs and international trade. "CUBI '97 represents a pro-active approach between two countries to develop business and encourage investment to ensure a prosperous future for both Canada and Ukraine."

"The great development potential of Ukraine and recent progress in the transition to a free market economy make this initiative timely; 1997 will be an exciting year to be involved in opportunities in Ukraine," said CUBI '97 chairman Laurence Decore.

CUBI '97 will take place June 14-20 at events throughout the three prairie provinces. The initiative begins in Calgary with a plenary session, followed by a series of trade specific events: Calgary (energy), Regina (agriculture/agri-business) and Winnipeg (construction). Approximately 250 delegates are expected to attend, including 100 key decision-makers from Ukraine.

To obtain further information or to register call the CUBI '97 Administration Office, (403) 492-4341; fax (403) 492-4967; or visit the CUBI '97 website at: http://www.ualberta.ca/-cubi/indes.HTM

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