The Government of Canada provides over $400,000 to enhance Laval businesses' export activities

SMEs will benefit from funding from the City of Laval's International Affairs division to undertake and pursue their export activities

LAVAL, QC, Aug. 6, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada is renewing its support for the international affairs division of Développement économique Laval [Laval economic development service] (link in French only), one of the regional export promotion organizations known as ORPEXes.

The Laval ORPEX has been awarded a non-repayable contribution of $442,500 over three years. The announcement was made by Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED.

ORPEXES help businesses

• obtain basic exporting information;
• organize their activities aimed at breaking into foreign markets;
• receive a diagnosis regarding their export capacity;
• find out about funding opportunities for their export projects;
• get specialized training; and
• develop an international business plan.

The funding, provided under the Quebec Economic Development Program, will allow the ORPEX to continue offering its services aimed at helping potential exporters go ahead with their projects involving new market sales.

Quotes

"I am thrilled that we are supporting the International Affairs division of the City of Laval's Economic Development Service, which helps SMEs in the region diversify and develop export markets. The industrial fabric of Laval has the potential to become one of the most diversified: 11,200 businesses, over 1,400 of which offer exportable products and services. We have full confidence in the organization's ability to help businesses look to the future and prosper."

Eva Nassif, Member of Parliament for Vimy

"The investment announced today is intended to provide tangible support for Laval businesses looking to break into foreign markets. This contribution will ensure that the International Affairs division of the City of Laval's Economic Development Service has the necessary means to fulfil its mission, which is to assist potential exporters in carrying out their projects involving new market sales by providing them with various services right from the outset of their export ventures."

Yves Robillard, Member of Parliament for Marc-Aurèle-Fortin

"CED is proud to have been involved in the funding of ORPEXes since their creation in 1990. Unique to Quebec, these organizations contribute, not only to the attainment of CED's targets for the global commercialization and positioning of businesses, but also to the ambitious goal set by the Government of Canada of a 30% increase in Canadian exports by 2025. By focusing on the importance of innovation, this renewed funding will equip Quebec businesses with tools to favourably position themselves in a highly competitive global ecosystem."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"One of the broad orientations of the City of Laval's "Urbaine de nature" strategic vision is to develop a prosperous, sustainable, competitive and cutting-edge economy. Laval has some 11,200 businesses, over 500 of which export their products and services. Canada Economic Development's financial support will allow Laval to continue providing export services to help businesses achieve their full growth potential and to ensure their long-term sustainability."

Marc Demers, Mayor of Laval

Quick facts

• The ORPEXes' objectives include raising awareness among Quebec businesses about the growth potential associated with exporting and, subsequently, helping them diversify and break into foreign markets.
• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• This year marks the 50th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult the 2018–2019 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

Media Relations, Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, Tel.: [phone], Email: [email protected]