The mission, sponsored by the Canada-Arab Business Council, is going to Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia. Minister Emerson will lead the Canadian delegation in Kuwait and the UAE before traveling to Jordan for separate meetings on November 18.

"Canada recognizes the immense commercial opportunities in the Gulf region as the pace of economic development and diversification intensifies," said Emerson. "This trip is about connecting Canadian companies and investors to these opportunities, and meeting the region's surging demand for infrastructure, oil and gas expertise, and environmental technologies."

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) - Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain - makes up the most prosperous group of countries in the Middle East. The population of 35 million is growing and the economy has doubled in the last five years. Building on their immense success in the oil industry, the countries of the GCC are diversifying their economies and transforming the region into a world hub for business, finance and tourism. Two-way trade in goods between the GCC and Canada increased 14.9 percent between 2005 and 2006 to reach $3.64 billion.

Emerson's visit to Jordan builds on the momentum flowing from the July 13, 2007, meeting in Ottawa between Prime Minister Stephen Harper and King Abdullah II of Jordan. The leaders announced the conclusion of negotiations on a Foreign Investment Protection and Promotion Agreement and a new Air Transport Agreement. They also launched a feasibility study into a future bilateral free trade agreement.

"Jordan is an important partner in the region. Stronger trade and investment ties between our countries are a key objective of our strategy for global commerce," Emerson said.

Canadian and Jordanian officials are scheduled to meet in Amman, later this month to discuss the scope of a potential free trade agreement, with a view to beginning negotiations in 2008.