By Robert Frank
www.thesuburban.com
Acknowledging Laval’s growing economic clout, the top American diplomat in Quebec, Consul-General Andrew Parker, will be at the Laval Hilton, April 30. He’ll be coming to promote opportunities for companies based in Quebec’s third-largest city to increase their revenue by doing business in the United States.
Joining Parker at the daylong confab will be representatives from four states: Florida (Frederick Bernard), Pennsylvania (Jason Rose), Arizona (Karla Teixeira-Moran) and California.
“This is the first time in the 12 years that I’ve been here that the American consul has spoken in Laval,” enthused Laval Technopole international business director Véronique Proulx, who organized the seminar.
“Like the rest of Quebec, more than two-thirds of Laval exports are bound for the United States. Most of those exports go to the northeastern states, which is why we have invited four states where not enough Laval companies export,” she explained. “Economic growth is being seen there so there are lots of market opportunities for Laval companies to develop.”
“Each representative will introduce us to opportunities specific to their state,” Proulx continued, “and the consul-general will talk about a variety of initiatives aimed at facilitating Canada-United States trade. During the afternoon, we’ll hear from technical experts about other aspects of exporting, such as customs, taxation, legal aspects, financing, funding and logistics.”
“Laval averaged $1.3 billion in investment during the past ten years,” Proulx noted. “One reason that so many companies come to Laval is that the city really opens its doors to foreign firms. When you come to Laval, you have access to this really broad network of foreign companies.”
“Laval’s economy also proved resilient during the recent economic downturn because it is so well-diversified,” she added. “In addition to industry, high-tech, information technology biotech and pharmaceutical firms, Laval has many really strong small- and medium-sized enterprises that have developed unique niche products.”
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