Minister Wilkinson welcomes the opening of Fujitsu’s new artificial intelligence headquarters in Vancouver
News release
June 27, 2019 - Vancouver, British Columbia - Global Affairs Canada
International trade and foreign direct investments (FDI) are key drivers of Canada’s economy, creating good jobs for Canadians and strengthening the middle class. Canada has a culture of diversity and innovation with a talented, highly educated and diverse workforce and access to cutting edge technical talent. This makes Canada a great place to invest and do business.
Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, on behalf of the Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification, welcomed the opening of Fujitsu’s artificial intelligence (AI) global headquarters, Fujitsu Intelligence Technology, in Vancouver, British Columbia. Fujitsu’s investment in Canada will allow them to hire local AI talent to deliver emerging technologies to serve their global customers and high-growth markets around the world.
Canada’s world-class digital technology ecosystem and workforce, along with its high quality of life, will help Fujitsu bring the benefits of AI technology to global markets. Canada has worked hard to become a hub for AI research, and the government is committed to supporting innovation and developing innovative technologies such as AI.
Canada has had remarkable success in attracting foreign investment, which leads to better jobs for Canadians and a better quality of life for Canadian families. The government’s efforts to attract good business ensures that Canada maintains its enviable position as a country of opportunity, a country of fairness and a country of inclusion.
Quotes
“Foreign direct investments play an important role in our economy by spurring innovation and creating good, well-paying jobs for our highly educated workforce. Fujitsu’s new artificial intelligence headquarters in Vancouver taps into our rapidly growing tech sector and strengthens our position as a location of choice for foreign investment.”
- Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
Quick facts
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Canada had an excellent year in 2018, attracting FDI worth $55 billion, which is an increase of close to 70% compared to the previous year. This is particularly striking considering that most other developed economies experienced a drop in their FDI inflows in 2018.
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An additional $3-million investment over three years for the CanExport - Community Investments pillar will help communities increase their capacity to retain and attract FDI.
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Canada is an ideal destination for foreign companies to grow their business, due to a stable business climate, low taxes and business costs, a highly educated and skilled workforce, generous research and development incentives, and preferential access to global markets.
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In 2016, foreign-controlled firms employed nearly 2 million Canadians, or about one out of every eight employed Canadians. Foreign-controlled companies also accounted for roughly half of all merchandise exports and commercial service exports.
Associated links
Contacts
Isabella Brisson-Urdaneta
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of International Trade Diversification
343-203-7332
Isabella.Brisson-Urdaneta@international.gc.ca
Media Relations Office
Global Affairs Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
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