Edmonton - Businesses exporting Alberta-produced goods and services will have more support to grow because of a new agreement between two federal and provincial agencies.
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) have taken a step toward strengthening their existing working alliance, signing a memorandum of understanding to:
• improve access to financing to purchase new equipment;
• enhance export sales; and
• provide access to working capital to fulfill specific export orders.
"In our current economic climate, there are businesses struggling to access credit to help establish or grow their operation," said George Groeneveld, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. "This agreement gives Alberta's exporters, and our provincial economy, a boost forward."
Linda Niro, the Regional Vice-President for Western Canada with EDC says she couldn't agree more. "Our working relationship with AFSC has always been strong. This agreement formalizes a long standing partnership that will create greater support for Alberta's exporters by complementing the service offerings of AFSC and the private sector in general."
Both AFSC and EDC mandates focus on supporting Alberta's business community, particularly small to medium-sized operations. AFSC's Lending division works to support Alberta's businesses, including exporters, in growing and sustaining their operations. EDC, Canada's official export credit agency, supports and develops Canada's export trade and the Canadian capacity to engage in international trade as well as respond to international business opportunities.
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Media inquiries may be directed to:
Phil Taylor
Corporate Communications
Export Development Canada
613-598-2904
Rick Bell
Vice President, Lending
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation
403-782-8335
Ag Media Line
780-422-1005
