Canadian Businesses will benefit from Windsor–Essex Foreign Trade Zone Point

News Release

Designation will help businesses facilitate exports and create jobs for the middle class

July 31, 2017 – Windsor, Ontario – Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (FedDev Ontario)

Local businesses in the Windsor–Essex region benefit from new jobs and business opportunities as a result of the creation of the new Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) Point.

This designation was announced today by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario, at Farrow Logistics, a shipping company that helps American and Canadian companies move goods across borders.

The FTZ Point will promote Windsor-Essex as a hub for international trade, leveraging its location in North America, direct access to the United States and solid manufacturing base to attract new investors.

Designating this new FTZ Point aligns with the Government of Canada’s priorities to help businesses integrate into international markets and global value chains.

Quotes

“As a trading nation, Canada recognizes the strong connection between trade and good, well-paying jobs. We are proud to designate the Windsor–Essex region as the second FTZ Point in Ontario. We are committed to strengthening this region and all of southern Ontario as an international hub with world market accessibility.”

– The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for FedDev Ontario

“This is an important designation for Windsor–Essex. We are home to the world’s busiest border crossing and being designated at an FTZ Point further enhances our ability to attract investment and assist local businesses to access foreign markets.”

– His Worship Drew Dilkens, Mayor, City of Windsor

“The FTZ Point designation will help to reinforce Windsor and Essex County’s position as an integral region for economic development, trade and partnerships. We are pleased with the federal Government’s announcement today, which helps to support our local economic priorities, while also ensuring regional growth from a global perspective.”

– Tom Bain, Warden, Essex County

“Receiving the FTZ Point designation has a number of benefits, including enhancing our ability to promote the Windsor–Essex region as a hub for international trade and assisting the integration of Windsor–Essex SMEs into global markets and value chains.”

– Stephen Mackenzie, CEO, WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation

“Windsor-Essex is home to a diversified roster of innovative and ambitious companies that are successfully marketing their products and services around the world. Designating the region as a Foreign Trade Zone Point will provide one-window access to government programs and services that can help local firms boost their exports to create more jobs at home.”

– The Honourable Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development and Growth

Quick Facts

  • Windsor–Essex Region is strategically located, with more than half of the North American population living within an eight-hour drive.

  • This is the eighth FTZ Point established in Canada, and the second FTZ Point in Ontario.

  • At the Windsor–Essex FTZ Point, businesses will be able to access streamlined information on FTZ programming including the Duties Relief Program, the Drawback Program, the Customs Bonded Warehouse Program, the Export Distribution Centre Program and the Exporters of Processing Services Program.

  • To establish the Windsor–Essex FTZ Point, the WindsorEssex Economic Development Corporation partnered with the City of Windsor, County of Essex, Port of Windsor, Windsor International Airport, Windsor–Essex Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cross Border Institute – University of Windsor/Institute for Border Logistics and Security, St.Clair College, Essex Terminal Railway, CN Rail and CP Rail. A task force of federal, provincial and municipal representatives will meet regularly with regional industry stakeholders.

Associated Links

Contacts

Nilani Logeswaran
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development
343-291-2500

Media Relations
FedDev Ontario
416-954-6652
fdo.mediarel-relmedias.fdo@canada.ca

Toll Free: 1-866-593-5505
Website: www.FedDevOntario.gc.ca
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