EDC report shows Canadian companies well positioned within 50 major<br>international infrastructure projects

OTTAWA, Nov. 25 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian companies are uniquely well-positioned to respond to the global infrastructure boom because of their experience in finding infrastructure solutions in some of the harshest climate conditions in the world, according to a new report from Export Development Canada (EDC).

"Environmental concerns, coupled with a harsh climate and close proximity to the largest market in the world, the United States, has driven Canadian firms to be innovative, employing a staggering variety of technologies in the process," said Francoise Faverjon-Fortin, Vice-President, Infrastructure and Environment, EDC. "Canadian companies have developed new technologies and know-how in order to succeed at home and build market share globally."

Ms. Faverjon-Fortin made her comments as part of EDC's recently released report, Canadians at Work: 50 International Projects, which lists 50 major infrastructure projects around the world where Canadian supply and services have a significant presence.

"This report is a testament to the strong reputation and breadth of knowledge that Canadians have built and the extent to which they have penetrated markets in every corner of the world."

EDC is providing the report to companies around the world that are, or will be, investing or involved in infrastructure development.

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that close to USD 10 trillion will have been invested in infrastructure projects around the world by 2030.

"The report can also serve as a roadmap for other Canadian companies to leverage this vast network to help them reach new markets," Ms. Faverjon-Fortin added.

This year's project listing and company index illustrates Canada's experience in water treatment, building design, power generation, infrastructure services for transit, ports and airports.

The report also provides deeper insight into Canadian capacity and expertise in areas such as green building, master planning for cities, as well as power and renewable energy.

Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro-electricity is being developed by Canadian engineering companies taking advantage of global opportunities in clean technologies. Canada is the number one exporter in the world of hydro-electricity technology.

"Canadians are using domestically-built experience to help countries like Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and China build energy-efficient structures and well-planned cities in order to conserve energy and water," continued Ms. Faverjon-Fortin.

As an extra measure to help Canadian companies increase their international visibility, EDC and the Canadian Construction Association have developed a new, online Canadian Construction Exports Directory (CCED). Designed for the use of Canadian construction/infrastructure firms, the CCED is a comprehensive source of information about companies that are exporting their goods and services to international markets. EDC is marketing the directory to foreign companies so they can identify Canadian suppliers who can meet their procurement needs.

For a free copy of the report, please click here Canadians at Work: 50 International Infrastructure Projects - EDC (http://www.edc.ca/english/publications_15510.htm).

To learn more about the CCED, visit Canadian Construction Association (http://www.cca-acc.com/homepage_e.asp).

EDC is Canada's export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC's knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 8,300 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining, a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis, and has been recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for nine consecutive years.

For further information: Media contacts: Phil Taylor, Export Development Canada, Tel: [phone], BlackBerry: [email protected]