The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian creative industries are an important part of the country's economy
OTTAWA, March 1, 2019 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian creative industries are an important part of the country's economy. Opening new markets for creators and creative entrepreneurs will promote trade, create jobs in Canada, and strengthen the middle class.
From February 10 to 19, a Canadian delegation comprising more than 35 companies from a range of creative industry sectors went to Latin America to take part in a trade mission organized by Canadian Heritage. Representatives from the federal, provincial and territorial governments, portfolio organizations, funding agencies as well as industry associations also participated in the mission.
This second mission, which was focused on Mexico, Colombia and Argentina, followed the trade mission to China in April 2018, and was part of the implementation of Canada's Creative Export Strategy.
Organized to allow export-ready small and medium-sized Canadian companies to enter the Latin American market, the mission allowed creative industry representatives to better understand Latin American business opportunities by taking part in information sessions, pre-arranged business-to-business meetings, networking events and site visits.
During this trade mission, more than 700 business-to-business meetings were arranged, across all three countries. Also, the mission led to the signing of the following commercial agreements worth more than $1.2 million.
Mexico:
Circo de Bakuza Création S.A. signed a memorandum of understanding with Ocesa Vive Latino and Siete Media for a technical installation during the Vive Latino Festival.
Circo de Bakuza Création S.A. becomes the event partner for Makken in Latin America and the distributor of their virtual reality products SITU.
Bayeux Arts signed a memorandum of understanding with Colofon SA de CV to explore possibilities of English–Spanish and Spanish–English language translations of book titles for trade, educational, instructional and children's book markets.
Latincouver signed an agreement with Bobo Producciones.
Canada Media Fund signed a memorandum of understanding with the Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía on a Mexico–Canada Audiovisual Incentive.
Colombia:
Canada Media Fund signed a memorandum of understanding with ProImágenes Colombia for a Colombia–Canada co-development incentive for web series and other digital media projects.
Mirrai International signed a representation agreement with 7gLab.
Latincouver signed a memorandum of understanding with Enjambre Group S.A.S. to develop an application for Carnaval del Sol.
Latincouver signed a memorandum of understanding with Universidad del Pacifico.
Argentina:
Orchestre symphonique de Montréal signed an agreement with Mozarteum Argentino for concerts at Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires in October 2019.
Canada Media Fund signed an agreement with Instituto Nacional de Cine y Artes Audiovisuales for an Argentina-Canada incentive to support the development of animated television series and digital media content projects.
Our government is committed to helping our creative industries explore international business opportunities. Trade missions are an important component of the Creative Export Strategy.
Quotes
"The talent of Canadian creators and artists is a powerful economic driver that allows our creative industries to carve out a prominent place on the international scene. This trade mission represents a major business opportunity for our creators and an excellent opportunity to show what they can do, tap into new markets and promote Canada's creative industries abroad. Our government knows that investing in our creative economy allows us to fuel our country's growth and create quality jobs for Canadians."
—The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism
"We have benefited enormously from this trip and made fantastic new contacts. We now better understand how books are sold in all of these different territories; how they are bought; how they are read, who reads them. In the long term, the ideas of importing English-language books into Latin America, especially the Colombian market, is an interesting possibility."
—Sarah MacLachlan, President and Publisher, House of Anansi Press
"I have met extraordinary people and businesses. An agreement will be signed with a major Colombian publisher, which will allow us to expand the network of Méga Éditions. We also had a fantastic meeting in Mexico about distributing books in schools free of charge, while in Argentina I took the opportunity to strengthen some professional links."
—Brigitte Beaudry, President, Méga Éditions
Quick Facts
The Government of Canada recognizes the economic impact of Canadian creative industries, which in 2016 accounted for $53.8 billion in GDP—2.8% of Canada's overall GDP. As well, Canadian creative industries provide more than 650,000 direct jobs, countless spin-off jobs, and $16 billion in exported products, up 1.3% from 2015.
Mexico is Canada's third largest trading partner after the United States and China. In 2016, Canada exported $236.7 million in cultural goods and services to Mexico.
Colombia, an emerging market, is Canada's fifth largest bilateral trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean (excluding Mexico).
Argentina is the second largest economy in South America. In 2016, Canadian cultural exports to Argentina reached $13.9 million.
2019 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and Mexico.
Related Products
Minister Pablo Rodriguez wishes success to the Canadian delegation heading to Latin America
Representatives of Canadian Creative Industries to Travel to Latin America in February
Associated Links
Canada's Creative Export Strategy
2019 Canadian creative industries trade mission to Latin America
SOURCE Canadian Heritage
(media only), please contact: Simon Ross, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism, 819-997-7788; Media Relations, Canadian Heritage, 819-994-9101, 1-866-569-6155, [email protected]
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