Mr. Speaker, this week Vancouver is hosting one of the world's biggest trade fairs and conferences on environmental industries. Approximately 40 countries are represented at the Globe International Trade Fair and Conference. Along with the thousands of visitors, their participation demonstrates that the business of the environment is enjoying an unprecedented boom.
By the year 2000 world markets for environmental industry products will be in the order of $600 billion annually. In Canada alone the industry includes some 4,500 firms employing about 150,000 people. Its annual sales are now approximately $11 billion and are expected to double by the year 2000.
Globe 94 provides an important venue toward doing business and bettering the environment. It provides a tremendous opportunity for Canadian companies to demonstrate their innovations and find new suppliers, new buyers and new sources of financing.
Globe 94 highlights how sustainable development fosters the development of environmental industries-