Press release
Export Alliance Construction: The largest networking event in Quebec's building industry is back for the fifth consecutive year
Montreal, March 20, 2006 In conjunction with the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation and Société d'habitation du Québec, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is today holding the fifth edition of Export Alliance Construction in Montreal.
Organized for the building industry, this networking event seeks to build bridges between Quebec manufacturers of construction products and systems and some twelve buyers predominantly from the northeastern U.S. About sixty Quebec businesses will have the opportunity to forge new business ties and make their products and expertise known to the U.S. through, for example, individual meetings.
Companies intent on growing and boosting sales therefore have no choice but to develop new international markets, particularly in the U.S. where infrastructure needs are substantial. For example, with 79,000 residential and non-residential starts per year on the U.S. east coast alone, the American market offers tremendous potential for Quebec, especially since it's less than a day's travel from the border, commented Isabelle Hudon, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
Given that according to the latest figures the Quebec construction industry is doing well, companies in this sector should seize every opportunity to prepare their future. With its expertise and assistance programs, the MDEIE is able to back companies with their product development and investment projects as well as their efforts to find new markets, stated Madeleine Caron, Assistant Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce at the MDEIE.
In this same vein, the Board of Trade with the help of its team of experts at World Trade Centre Montréal would like to act as a bridge between our local businesses and foreign markets. In fact, the mission of WTC Montréal, a member of the international network of 300 World Trade Centers, is to support, train and advise businesses and associations in their activities in the global marketplace, in order to foster the export of their products and services through an integrated program of international trade solutions, added Isabelle Hudon.
Quebec construction companies are building a solid reputation around the world for their expertise. The willingness of Société d'habitation du Québec to work closely with the industry to develop practical and innovative solutions in the residential construction industry greatly enhances the reputation of our companies. Quality products and services, enviable expertise in adaptable and durable construction and, most importantly, the strength of public-private partnerships all help open the doors to foreign markets, stated Pierre Cliche, president and CEO of Société d'habitation du Québec.
Export Alliance Construction was designed and set up to provide Quebec construction firms with tangible help and allow them to get the most out of the business opportunities that arise beyond our border, continued Isabelle Hudon.
Export Alliance Construction was made possible with the support of the Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation and Société d'habitation du Québec, as well as the collaboration of Hydro-Québec and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
For more information on Export Alliance Construction, go to www.exportalliance.com
Through its experts at World Trade Centre Montréal, the Board of Trade offers international trade services to the greater business community, with the backing of Canada Economic Development.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, extension 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca