Press release
Quebec's international policy:
Montreal stands to benefit
Montreal, May 24, 2006 The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal welcomes the Quebec government's new international policy presented today by Monique Gagnon-Tremblay, Minister of International Relations and Minister Responsible for La Francophonie. The Board of Trade is pleased to note that the Quebec government is pursuing a course enabling Montreal to take fuller advantage of changes in the global context.
Stressing the diversification of our economic relationships particularly through efforts targeting India, China, Brazil, and Mexico while at the same time aiming to help Quebec businesses expand overseas through the establishment of branches or the acquisition of local businesses, is directly in line with the positions adopted by the Board of Trade. At the same time, the Board of Trade proposes that SMEs should have access to a real foreign direct investment fund making it easier for Montreal companies to integrate global supply chains, declared Isabelle Hudon, president and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal.
In addition, the government's desire for concerted action in the areas of immigration, training, and innovation coincides with the Board of Trade's position that, especially given that, within a few years, the net growth of the labour force will depend 100% on immigration, the important issue of talent can no longer be limited to the development of local talent. Quebec must strive to welcome on a permanent basis talented people from around the world looking for the best place to live and develop their talent, added Hudon.
Our prosperity depends largely on the strength of foreign trade. The vitality of our export sector plays a predominant role in the economic growth of Montreal. Stressing the smooth and secure flow of cross-border movement is key to maintaining efficient access to our largest market, the United States, concluded Hudon.
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal has some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montreal and to provide individuals, merchants and businesses of all sizes with a variety of specialized services to help them achieve their full potential in terms of innovation, productivity and competitiveness. The Board of Trade is the largest private organization in Quebec dedicated to economic development.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Coordinator, Media relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Tel.: (514) 871-4000, ext. 4015
sylvie.paquette@ccmm.qc.ca