November 09, 2010
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Today, the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification announced $27,000 for two events hosted by Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership (STEP) and the Governments of Alberta and Manitoba to help western Canadian companies connect with Canadian and international contractors that bid on major International Financial Institution's (IFIs) development projects.
"Our Government is committed to ensuring that small-and medium-sized businesses have the opportunity to succeed and grow," said Minister Yelich. "This project will help create jobs in our communities by promoting further export opportunities for western Canadian products and services."
"Manitoba is pleased to continue our partnership with British Columbia, Alberta and STEP in furthering our previous work on training and matchmaking for our respective businesses" said the Honourable Peter Bjornson, Manitoba's Minister of Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade. "Manitoba's business community is characterized by small and medium-size enterprises which possess excellent skills and capabilities across a broad range of services and sectors. These sessions will provide a solid opportunity for them to form alliances with a broader network of companies and gain valuable experience working in the international marketplace."
International Financial Institution's (IFIs) spend $20 to $30 billion annually on development projects around the world to assist with infrastructure and necessary technical assistance. Opportunities exist for Canadian companies to be involved either as primary or secondary contractors, providing both goods and services.
In order to assist small-and medium-sized businesses located in Western Canada with IFIs development opportunities, STEP is coordinating two multi-regional business-to-business meetings that will highlight IFIs contract opportunities.
STEP is excited about the international project opportunities that the Government of Canada will assist in facilitating," said Lionel LaBelle, President & CEO of STEP. "This funding will be instrumental in assisting Saskatchewan and Western Canadian companies identify subcontracting opportunities with both North American and International prime contractors that have been successful on projects.
The business-to-business meetings will assist with the development and capacity building for western Canadian small and medium-size businesses by providing opportunities for companies to diversify their markets. The connections made through the targeted meetings will enable western Canadian businesses to create the necessary links that will enable them to have a greater role in supplying goods and services to international development projects over the long-term. These connections are expected to create more prospects for western Canadian firms and organizations to participate in IFI programming and open the door to further exporting opportunities.
STEP is a public-private partnership led by industry that works with Saskatchewan businesses to maximize commercial success in global ventures. STEP was created to provide trade development, custom market research and access to export financing for Saskatchewan exporters.
Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.
For additional information, contact:
Lloyd Suchet
Office of the Minister
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Telephone: (613) 957-7855
lloyd.suchet@wd-deo.gc.ca
Joe Czech
Communication Services Manitoba
10th Floor 155 Carlton
P: (204) 945-6778
F: (204) 948-2147
e-mail: joe.czech@gov.mb.ca
Lionel LaBelle
President & CEO
Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership
(306) 787-1550
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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