Dear Mitchell:                                                                                                                                                                                   February 3, 1998

On behalf of the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, Prime Minister of Canada, I am pleased to enclose a Certificate of Participation and family portrait taken in Buenos Aires, Argentina during the Team Canada 1998 trade mission to Latin America.Team Canada has clearly demonstrated to our Latin American partners the strength of Canada's commitment to the region. The agreement we have reached in a variety of sectors, ranging from high-technology to education and training are an important investment in our relations both in the short and in the long term.

The success of the unprecedented number of small and medium-sized businesses on this year's mission is a tremendous source of pride for Canada. You have set a powerful example, showing the diversity and breadth of opportunities for other entrepreneurs. It is this kind of momentum that will get more Canadians involved in international trade and secure more jobs and economic growth. We must continue to demonstrate the benefits that free trade brings and the opportunities it offers.Again, thank you for being part of the team.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Sergio Marchi

Dear Mitchell:

Now that we are all back home in Canada, I would like to thank you personally for your contribution to making Team Canada 1998 such an outstanding success.

I believe that this year's mission to Mexico, Brazil, Argentina and Chile achieved significant results whose positive impact will be felt in Canada for years to come. Not only did we conclude an impressive number of business deals, but we established new contacts -- between investors, SMEs, youths, educators and aboriginal and women entrepreneurs -- that will help to ensure that we Canadians continue to enjoy prosperous, long term relations with our Latin American partners.

In particular, I was proud to be part of a team that pulled together so effectively, both at the political and business levels, in the face of adversity at home. In my view, Team Canada 1998 showed just how well our country works when we work together.

To ensure that future Team Canada missions continue to build on our success, I would welcome your comments or suggested improvements. Above all, these missions must continue to reflect and serve your interests.

I would also like to take this opportunity to advise you that I will be leading Canadian companies on an upcoming trade mission to China. This mission will depart from Vancouver on March 27 for Beijing, returning to Canada on April 5. Our business program will also include visits to Shanghai and Hong Kong.

The purpose of this mission is to futher Canadian commercial interests in China. More specifically, I will seek to assist your firm in realizing existing business opportunities and discovering new ones.

If you are interested in participating on the trade mission to China or require additional information, please contact Michael Virr, Deputy Director, China Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, by telephone at (613) 995-6962 or by fax (613) 943-1068. You can also contact David Mulroney, Executive Director of the Canada-China Business Council, by telephone at (416) 954-3800 or by fax at (416) 954-3806. The deadline for signing on to this mission is February 13.

Once again, it was a pleasure to work with you on Team Canada 1998 and I look forward to doing so again in the near future.

Yours sincerely,

Hon. Sergio Marchi

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