Second France-Québec Symposium - Aéro Montréal marks the kickoff

MONTREAL, Nov. 24 /CNW Telbec/ - As the leader of the delegation representing Québec's aerospace centre of excellence, Aéro Montréal is marking the kickoff of the second France-Québec Symposium being held in Bordeaux on November 24 and 25 and in Paris on November 26.

"Aerospace is a high-tech sector where market potential is closely linked to innovation," says Gilles Labbé, Chairman of Aéro Montréal and President and CEO of Héroux-Devtek. "With the rise of emerging countries, the global economy is rapidly changing. This dynamic environment creates great opportunities and should be a motivation for us to move forward and excel."

At the event, some 20 participants from Québec's aerospace sector, representing OEMs, SMEs, research centres and universities will meet the French delegation led by Aerospace Valley, World Competitiveness Cluster Midi-Pyrénées & Aquitaine.

"There is no doubt that for our industry, innovation is the key to competitiveness," says Suzanne M. Benoît, CEO of Aéro Montréal. "Markets are moving geographically and specializing. More than ever, manufacturers need to form strategic international alliances to create a synergy that spur innovation and wealth creation."

Also at this event, the Québec delegation will present several projects for which French partners have been identified. "We hope these projects will be driven to maturity and that these new cooperation agreements between France and Québec will be beneficial for our respective clusters," concludes Mr. Labbé.

About the France-Québec Symposium

The 2010 France-Québec Symposium, organized jointly by MDEIE and its French counterpart, aims to promote ties between the Québec and French competitiveness clusters. The goal is to accelerate the emergence and implementation of new technology, industrial and business partnerships among the various participants. The themes to be discussed during talks in Bordeaux are sustainable development, human capital and autonomous and satellite systems.

About Aéro Montréal

Aéro Montréal, Québec's aerospace cluster, is a think tank that brings together all the major decision makers in Québec's aerospace sector, including companies, educational and research institutions, associations and unions.

Aéro Montréal's mission is to mobilize industry players around common goals and focused actions to increase cohesion and optimize competitiveness. By fostering the growth and expansion of Greater Montréal's aerospace cluster, it intends to make this industry an increasingly important source of wealth creation for the Montréal region, Québec and Canada.

For further information:

Amélie Hudon
Senior Communication Advisor
Aéro Montréal
Tel.: [phone]
[email protected]