Montréal, June 23, 2016 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and its team of international trade experts, the World Trade Centre Montréal, in partnership with the Québec Government Office in New York and the Association de la construction du Québec, organized a day of networking activities in Philadelphia for companies in Québec’s construction sector. The goal of this trade mission was to introduce participating companies to general contractors and architects and have them explore the business opportunities on this market.
“Philadelphia, like the American market as a whole, is a promising destination for local businesses in the construction industry because there are abundant business opportunities resulting from American growth and real estate development,” said Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Board of Trade. “Having started a revitalization, the City of Philadelphia will be developing many real estate projects, with investments in excess of $6.7 billion by 2018. This trade mission has helped local businesses make contacts with potential buyers and effectively position their products, in addition to networking with other companies in the construction industry.”
“As part of this trade mission, one-on-one meetings were organized between Québec businesses and Philadelphia’s largest architects and general contractors,” said Jean-Claude Lauzon, Québec General Delegate in New York. “It gave them a chance to introduce themselves, learn more about the market and gain invaluable visibility with potential clients. Philadelphia is the fifth largest city in the U.S., and Pennsylvania is Québec’s fourth largest client in the world. The province’s economic growth depends upon exports, and representations abroad are an invaluable tool to support local businesses as they conquer new markets.”
“Just two hours from New York and Washington, Philadelphia is taking advantage of the American economic recovery, with many construction projects happening throughout the region,” said Jean-Philippe Cliché, an economist for the Association de la construction du Québec. “This trade mission was a solid opportunity for Québec entrepreneurs to gain access to a new market, showcase their expertise beyond our borders and even sign lucrative contracts.”
“The Board of Trade was the catalyst we needed to officially launch our company in the American market,” said Éric Bergevin, president of Bois Expansion. “With its SME Passport program, we were able to identify our strengths and our weaknesses and have the vision to tackle a new market. We would like to thank the team at the Board of Trade for their professionalism throughout this journey; we are sure they have only just begun.”
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal;
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has over 7,000 members. Its mission is to be the voice of Montréal’s business community and to promote the city’s prosperity. It is involved in key areas of economic development, advocating a philosophy of action based on engagement, credibility, proactivity, collaboration and innovation. The Board of Trade also offers a range of specialized services to individuals and to business of all sizes to support them in their growth at home and abroad.
About the World Trade Centre Montréal
With the help of its World Trade Montréal experts, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal offers international trade services to the extended business community, with the support of Canada Economic Development.
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Source :
Guillaume Bérubé
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514 871-4000, extension 4042
gberube@ccmm.qc.ca
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