2012 mission to London: Promising meetings for entrepreneurs in a market that is Québec's main European trading partner

MONTREAL, Oct. 1, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and its team of international trade experts, the World Trade Centre Montréal, begin a trade mission to London today, with representatives of ten Québec businesses taking part. This mission coincides with the 50^th anniversary of the Québec Government Office in London, which will be celebrated on October 3 at an economic gala that recognizes the Québec and British business generators that have made the most significant contribution to creating economic ties between Québec and the United Kingdom.

"The U.K. is a phenomenal market for Québec businesses that want to take advantage of one of the most competitive business environments in Europe," says Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and member of the jury to select recipients of awards of excellence to be handed out at the economic gala. "Historical circumstances have made it Québec's main trading partner in Europe, with bilateral trade amounting to $6 billion last year. We have to cultivate this special relationship, because this market, which represents the seventh largest economy in the world, is open and dynamic, and its business culture is familiar to us. London in particular, with its status as a global financial and cultural centre, is an international showcase for businesses that are able to distinguish themselves."

"In anticipation of the upcoming adoption of the Canada-European Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, it is more strategic than ever that our businesses position themselves in such a competitive market, which is a gateway to the European Union's 500 million consumers," Michel Leblanc says. "To accomplish this, Québec entrepreneurs can count on the dedicated team at the Québec Government Office in London and its Agent-General, Pierre Boulanger, to facilitate their efforts on the British market."

"We are proud to count the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the World Trade Centre Montréal among our partners that are helping Québec business people break into the British market, where many of our business have already made their mark with their accomplishments, including Bombardier, Cirque du Soleil and, more recently, Genivar and CGI Group," says Pierre Boulanger, Agent-General for Québec in London. "The Québec Government Office in London, which I have the honour of heading up, is preparing to recognize entrepreneurs who have made the most substantial contribution to making this country Québec's main trading partner in Europe."

"Business development in a new market generally requires a great deal of patience," Michel Leblanc says. "But since the British are direct and inclined to move negotiations forward quickly, we are convinced that the trade mission will have positive consequences in the very near term for certain participants, most probably in its early days."

About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the World Trade Centre Montréal
Through its team of experts at the World Trade Centre Montréal, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal provides international trade services to the greater business community, with the support of Canada Economic Development.

SOURCE: BOARD OF TRADE OF METROPOLITAN MONTREAL

Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: [phone], extension 4015
[email protected]

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