Renewal of the partnership between Canada Economic Development and the World
Trade Centre Montréal: good news for Quebec businesses

MONTREAL , Sept. 21 /CNW Telbec/ - The World Trade Centre Montréal, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal's team of international trade experts, is delighted by the announcement made today by Canada Economic Development (CED) of a contribution of $1,708,722 for two years to its support programme for businesses wishing to engage in international trade.

"This new agreement will allow our international trade experts to enlighten, inform, and support Québec and Montréal SMEs so that they may better position themselves and become more competitive on global markets. CED's contribution will also enable our SME's to better cope with the current crisis and to get ready for the upturn, especially since we know that over 50% of Québec's GDP comes from exports," stated the President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and the World Trade Centre Montréal, Michel Leblanc .

"Since 1998, the great collaboration between our two organizations has allowed some 10,000 businesses to receive training on international trade in markets with a high potential, and some 3,000 others to take advantage of our trade missions to meet potential partners and develop business relationships," added Michel Leblanc .

"The World Trade Centre Montréal, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has become a key link for Québec SMEs that wish to export their products and services. The agreement with CED, which covers the 2009-2011 period, will give us the opportunity to continue to offer Québec entrepreneurs activities that are essential to their growth and their pursuit of international business," concluded Michel Leblanc .

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

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For further information: Sylvie Paquette, Coordinator, Media Relations, Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, [phone], extension 4015, [email protected]