Montréal, March 22, 2013 – The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal and its team of international trade experts, the World Trade Centre Montréal, have concluded a trade mission to New York, where they accompanied five Quebec businesses from the fashion industry. The trade mission, held in cooperation with the Quebec Government Office in New York and with the financial support of the Government of Quebec, gave participants a chance to meet key players in the New York fashion industry.
“The Strategic Forum on the Fashion and Clothing Industry held by the Board of Trade in June 2011 concluded that this sector has adapted effectively to the new conditions created by international competition,” said Michel Leblanc, President and CEO of the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal. “By demonstrating innovation, banking on talent and looking toward high-value-added niches, the Montréal fashion and clothing industry will strengthen its standing internationally. Businesses that took part in this mission are perfect examples of creators who have developed the ability to shine on the international stage to tap into business opportunities.”
“The World Trade Centre Montréal team chose the most effective platform for promoting local businesses,” Michel Leblanc said. “New York is a fashion centre, and our advisors were able to offer participants a top-notch program of meetings with potential partners who are already doing business with the biggest designers and best known brands. Mackage coats and Joseph Ribkoff dresses are examples of Quebec designs that have taken New York by storm. We hope that participants will have as much success in their efforts as these Montréal flagships of fashion.”
“New York is one of the fashion industry’s main international centres,” said André Boisclair, Quebec’s delegate general in New York. “Designers are constantly crossing paths with buyers from the major chains, through some 75 expos, trade shows and fashion weeks every year. Our entrepreneurs and designers can make their mark in the Big Apple, and the team from the Quebec Government Office in New York is dedicated to helping them in their efforts. We are delighted to have been able to support the trade mission organized by the World Trade Centre Montréal.”
Certain participants, including Patrizia Angela Casubolo, president of the Montréal company Cochic, which produces patented accessories that offer tie wearers a touch of comfort, even negotiated agreements with new strategic partners she met for the first time during the trade mission. “On top of gathering strategic market information, I met plenty of potential buyers during this trade mission,” Ms. Casubolo said. “As a result of my efforts, Cochic accessories will soon be distributed in some 100 points of sale in the U.S.”
“We need to acknowledge the outstanding work of the Quebec Government Office in New York during this trade mission, particularly in terms of preparing the program and meetings,” Michel Leblanc said. “We encourage Quebec entrepreneurs to use its services and those of the World Trade Centre Montréal and take advantage of their excellent resources and in-depth knowledge of the market.”
About the trade mission to New York
The trade mission to New York was organized by the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal’s team of international trade experts, the World Trade Centre Montréal, in cooperation with the Quebec Government Office in New York and with the financial support of the Government of Quebec. The trade mission was organized as part of the Board of Trade’s “Exporting Quebec” initiative, developed in cooperation with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, Export Development Canada and La Presse.
About the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
The Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal is made up of some 7,000 members. Its mission is to represent the interests of the business community of Greater Montréal and to provide individuals, merchants, and local 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 Quebec's leading private economic development organization.
About the World Trade Centre Montréal
Through its team of experts at the World Trade Centre Montréal, the Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal provides international trade services to the greater business community, with the support of Canada Economic Development.
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Source:
Sylvie Paquette
Advisor, Media Relations
Board of Trade of Metropolitan Montreal
Phone: 514-871-4000, extension 4015
spaquette@ccmm.qc.ca
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