Pupatello to lead Middle East trade mission

TORONTO - Provincial officials have embarked on a seven-day trade mission to the Middle East to promote Ontario companies in the region.

Sandra Pupatello, minister of international trade and investment, is leading a delegation of about 20 companies.

The group will make presentations Oct. 8 in Dubai at a large business-to-business real estate investment and development event.

While in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, Pupatello will meet with dignitaries and business leaders.

She will also attend the opening of the world's largest Second Cup, an Ontario coffee retailer, in Saudi Arabia.

In 2007, Ontario accounted for 25 per cent of Canada's exports to the Middle East.

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  Ontario's Premier Dalton McGuinty, right, talks to the media during a press conference as Sandra Pupatello, left, who became the new Minister of International trade and investment smiles after being sworn into the cabinet by Premier McGuinty in Toronto on Thursday, Sept. 18, 2008. (Nathan Denette / THE CANADIAN PRESS)