(OTTAWA) – August 28, 2008 – Export Development Canada (EDC) today announced the posting of a senior equity manager in Beijing, China to help further develop trade and investment opportunities for Canadian companies in Asian markets. The focus will be on EDC's portfolio of investments in China, India, and South East Asia. Investments by the end of 2008 are expected to be more than USD 150 million.
Ms. Alison Nankivell, currently a senior portfolio manager within EDC's equity team, has been named to the post. Ms. Nankivell, who is fluent in Mandarin, has 18 years of experience within the China business field and served as EDC's representative in Beijing from 2000 to 2004.
"Asia is a vital region for Canadian exporters and investors, and EDC's ability to create business opportunities from its foreign equity investments is an important part of our corporate strategy," said Stephen Poloz, EDC's Senior Vice-President of Financing. "Ms. Nankivell's experience will be a tremendous asset to EDC, and being based in the region will allow her to work with our other representatives in the region to develop relationships with more Asian companies and identify opportunities that match up well with Canadian expertise."
EDC's Equity Program helps Canadian business take advantage of opportunities in overseas markets. This can be done either through a direct investment in a company if capital is needed, or through strategic investments in international and domestic equity funds, which greatly increases EDC's networks of contacts and market knowledge. The principal objective for Ms. Nankivell will be to connect these networks back to Canadian companies, working with EDC's domestic account managers to proactively create business opportunities for Canadian exporters and investors.
The strategic importance of China, India and South East Asia to Canadian business continues to grow. EDC has a number of representations in the region, including Shanghai, Beijing, New Delhi and Mumbai, who are tasked with supporting EDC's client base in such key sectors as telecom, building products and forestry, power, agrifood, automotive and consumer goods.
Since its creation, EDC's Equity Program has helped both directly and indirectly more than 150 Canadian companies enter emerging markets. In Budget 2008, the Government of Canada identified EDC's ability to make equity investments as an excellent vehicle to help Canadian companies – especially small and medium sized ones – participate in the global economy. EDC now has the flexibility to better tailor its equity program to specific Canadian company needs, both at home and abroad.
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 nearly 7,000 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining, is a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis, and has been named one of Canada's Top 100 Employers for seven consecutive years.
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Media contact:
Phil Taylor
Public Affairs
Export Development Canada
(613) 598-2904
ptaylor@edc.ca
