Quebec small businesses meet with United Nations buyers

Press release

Quebec SMEs meet with United Nations buyers

Montréal, October 5, 2009 – The World Trade Centre Montréal and the international trade experts of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal, in cooperation with Quebec's Ministère du Développement économique, de l'Innovation et de l'Exportation, the Québec Government Office in New York and PÔLE Québec Chaudière-Appalaches, are proud to welcome three major buyers from the United Nations today.

“The mandate of the World Trade Centre Montréal is to open doors to international trade for SMEs in Quebec,” says Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montréal and the World Trade Centre Montréal. “Today's activity gives local companies direct access to one of the largest buyers in the world. When you consider that purchases of goods and services by the United Nations represented over US$3.1 billion last year, it's easy to understand the potential of this special opportunity.”

“By hosting buyers from the United Nations, our objective is to increase the presence of Quebec SMEs among their suppliers. In addition to benefiting from individual meetings with buyers, participating companies will have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with United Nations purchasing methods and get to know their needs in products in services,” added Michel Leblanc.

Almost 40 Quebec companies will have individual meetings with the three buyers from the United Nations Procurement Division and the United Nations Development Programme, and over 100 people will attend the buyers' presentation during a breakfast meeting. Discussions will address a number of types of products and services, including foodstuffs and the food service industry, prefab buildings, architecture and engineering services in construction, merchandise transport and delivery services and IT solutions. The event, taking place at the InterContinental Montreal, will be followed by a second meeting tomorrow in Québec City at the Hotel Clarion.

The importance of the United Nations for Quebec SMEs

In 2008, the United Nations made purchases of over US$3.1 billion in products and services. In 2008, Canada ranked 15th among supplier countries, with a market share of 1.97%. To date, 220 Canadian companies are on the list of suppliers. Purchases are in large part made from United Nations headquarters in New York. They involve a wide variety of goods and services and represent a range of business opportunities for Quebec companies.

Through its World Trade Centre Montréal experts and with the support of Canada Economic Development, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal offers international trade services to the greater business community. The World Trade Centre Montréal is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

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