Montréal, April 27, 2018 ‒ Today the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Montréal International and Investissement Québec held the Strategic Forum Montréal: alive with the international. International trade plays a central role in the Greater Montréal economy. Over 500 participants gathered this morning at the Palais des congrès de Montréal to propose concrete action to increase the city’s international connectedness when it comes to talent, capital, goods and services and digital data. The event had as guests Philippe Couillard, Premier of Québec, and François Blais, Minister of Employment and Social Solidarity.
“Today’s Forum showed that every time a local business exports, a foreign subsidiary opens its doors in the region or workers choose Montréal to pursue their career, our entire business base benefits,” said Michel Leblanc, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal. “Being open to the world benefits everyone: society, businesses and citizens. Internal trade is increasingly digital, an area in which we are in a position of strength. Our recognized expertise in artificial intelligence, our skills in megadata analysis and our creative talent offer an incredible opportunity to increase our international connectedness. It is in all of our interests to seize that opportunity.”
“Greater Montréal is seeing an unprecedented technology boom that is attracting worldwide attention,” said Hubert Bolduc, president and CEO of Montréal International. “The marked increase in international trade clearly shows the importance of mobilizing and staying the course on our strategy to be open to the world. By attracting more international investment and talent, we will increase the standard of living for all Montrealers and Quebecers. And it is also the best response to the winds of protectionism that are blowing across the planet.”
“It is critical that Québec and local businesses internationalize,” said Pierre Gabriel Côté, president and CEO of Investissement Québec. “This is an essential component of our economy. We have to build bridges and springboards to give local entrepreneurs, who are ready to export or internationalize, the momentum they need to do so. This forum provided them with a number of inspiring examples and paths for solution to the issues that concern them.”
About the Strategic Forum Montréal: alive with the international
The Strategic Forum Montréal: alive with the international was jointly developed by the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal, Montréal International and Investissement Québec. The event was made possible thanks to the invaluable cooperation of Hydro-Québec, the Montreal Gazette, the Ministère des Affaires municipales et de l’Occupation du territoire du Québec, Traductions Serge Bélair and Ubisoft.
About the Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal (CCMM)
With a network of over 7,000 members, the CCMM is active on two fronts: being the voice of the Montréal business community and delivering specialized services to businesses and their representatives. With its finger on the pulse of current events, it acts on issues that are decisive for the prosperity of the city’s businesses. With the support of the Acclr experts, the CCMM’s goal is to accelerate the creation and growth of businesses of all sizes, at home and around the world.
About Montréal International
Created in 1996, Montréal International is a non-profit organization, funded by the private sector, the governments of Canada and Québec, the Communauté métropolitaine de Montréal and the Ville de Montréal. Its mandate is to attract foreign investment, international organizations, skilled workers and international students to Greater Montréal by offering them support services that meet their needs. www.montrealinternational.com
About Investissement Québec
Investissement Québec’s mission is to foster the growth of investment in Québec, thereby contributing to economic development and job creation in every region. The Corporation offers businesses a full range of financial solutions, including loans, loan guarantees and equity investments, to support them at all stages of their development. It is also responsible for administering tax measures and prospecting for foreign investment.
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Sources:
Julie Serero
Advisor, Media Relations
Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: 514 871-4000, ext. 4042
jserero@ccmm.ca
Céline Clément
Marketing and Communication Director
Montréal International
Tel.: 514 987-9317
celine.clement@mtlintl.com
Isabelle Fontaine
Senior Director, Public and Government Affairs
Investissement Québec
Tel.: 514 876-9359
isabelle.fontaine@invest-quebec.com