On-the-ground support in southern Africa will help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) boost their exports and create jobs and opportunities at home, says Minister Fast
June 23, 2014 - Johannesburg, South Africa - Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
The Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, today announced that Export Development Canada (EDC) will open its first African location next year in Johannesburg, South Africa.
EDC selected Johannesburg because of its economic position as the financial gateway to southern Africa. The city is a hub of established banking networks and Africa-based multinationals.
Through its Johannesburg-based team, EDC will focus on connecting more Canadian businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to the growing supply chains within intra-African trade. EDC will be co-located in the Canadian Trade Office in Johannesburg and will benefit from the market knowledge of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service already situated in Africa.
Minister Fast is on a 10-day, four-country trade mission to boost Canada’s trade and investment ties in Burkina Faso, Madagascar, South Africa and Tanzania.
Shannon Gutoskie
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Ed Fast
Minister of International Trade
613-992-7332
Media Relations Office
Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada
343-203-7700
media@international.gc.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @Canada_Trade
Like us on Facebook: Canada’s International Trade Plan-DFATD
