Trade and Investment Opportunities in Western Canada

What is Trade and Investment?

Participation in international markets provides wide-ranging opportunities which contribute to improved productivity, efficiency and overall competitiveness for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Western Canada is highly dependent on international markets for its long-term economic growth and prosperity, with exports accounting for roughly 34 per cent of the West’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

What’s the WD connection?

WD recognizes that the West’s interests are best served as part of a coordinated national trade agenda. Together with many trade and investment partners, WD is working to:

1. Strengthen Western Canada’s engagement in global markets;
2. Build awareness of Western Canada as a competitive investment destination to support efforts to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) into the region;
3. Strengthen linkages between Western Canada’s science and technology community and international networks;
4. Undertake research and advocacy on trade & investment issues that impact Western Canada;
5. Help western Canadian companies access Industrial and Regional Benefits (IRB) from major federal procurements.

WD’s Framework for Trade and Investment report outlines WD's trade and investment related priorities and planned activities.

What’s been accomplished?

WD’s support for trade and investment has produced considerable gains for western Canadian organizations in accessing international opportunities. Along with its advocacy and strategic investments, which have created a supportive environment to facilitate exports and foreign investment, WD’s efforts have resulted in:

• International partnerships between western Canadian and international research facilities.
• Increased participation of western Canadian SMEs in international markets.
• Increased exports from Western Canada.

WD helps connect western Canadian businesses with international markets. For example, during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Metro Vancouver Commerce (MVC) implemented  The 2010 Partnership Investment Program aimed to attract and engage foreign investment decision-makers. Over the course of two weeks, local Vancouver companies had the opportunity to pursue international partnerships with senior representatives from more than 70 global companies, in sectors such as green enterprise, digital media, film and information and communication technologies. Within two months of deploying its program, MVC reported $60 million in business deals – well above its initial 18-month investment target – including a partnership with a Vancouver energy management company to licence its technology in the U.K. and a $27 million investment to keep 250 aerospace jobs in Abbotsford, B.C.

To learn more about the agreements formed during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and for additional examples of WD trade and investment projects and initiatives consult our success stories.

What’s on the horizon?

WD will continue to support trade and investment by working directly with not-for-profits and indirectly with SMEs to support pan-western initiatives in the advanced technology and value-added manufacturing sectors that offer the greatest potential to expand the economy of Western Canada.

What resources and information are available?

To help your small business maximize its international potential, the following programs and services are available for small business owners and entrepreneurs interested in trade and investment opportunities with Western Canada:

• Online Canadian Trade and Investment Resources :  Looking for Canadian trade information? Here is an organized list of online sites offering various services, contacts, resources, information and ideas on international business opportunities, investment opportunities in Western Canada and selling Canadian goods and services abroad.
• Trade and Investment Frequently Asked Questions : A few select Web sites can help answer most of the commonly-asked trade and investment questions.
• WD’s Trade and Investment Publications : Expand your knowledge through these WD-funded research initiatives which focus on trade and investment opportunities in Western Canada, challenges and opportunities for small businesses, gateways and corridor and trends and forecasts.

Who can I contact for more information?

If you have further questions concerning trade and investment, contact us directly at any of our offices, by email, telephone, fax, or mail.