48e Nord International can enhance its export services for Canadian SMEs

Government of Canada awards $660,000 in financial assistance to this key Abitibi-Témiscamingue organization

VAL-D'OR, QC, July 3, 2018 /CNW Telbec/ - Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)

The Government of Canada is committed to creating close partnerships with Quebec businesses to support their efforts to increase productivity and competitiveness in export markets, while contributing to the economic vitality of the regions.

The Honourable François‑Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of International Trade, acting on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for CED, announced that $660,000 in financial assistance, in the form of a non-repayable contribution, has been granted over three years to the Abitibi-Témiscamingue export promotion bureau, operating under the trade name "48^e Nord International" (website in French only).

The funding will help the organization, a key partner of exporting SMEs, to continue to provide guidance for businesses wishing to diversify and develop their markets, commercialize their products outside the region and become even more innovative, productive and competitive.

The contribution was granted through CED's Quebec Economic Development Program.

Quotes
"Well established in the region, 48^e Nord International is a key partner for exporting SMEs in Abitibi-Témiscamingue. It acts as a true regional hub for economic development and a catalyst for growth in foreign trade. By supporting this organization, our government is once again delivering on its commitment to promote local businesses and support projects that help enhance the economic vitality of the regions."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice–Champlain and Minister of International Trade

"The Government of Canada is helping businesses and sectors of the Canadian economy by making investments that enhance their productivity and help make them more competitive in export markets. We are proud to invest in 48^e Nord International, as this partnership aligns with our commitments to drive expansion, innovation and exports."

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister responsible for CED

"The Government of Canada has been contributing to the success of 48^e Nord International for 20 years, not only by investing and providing support through Canada Economic Development's regional team, but also by recognizing the skills and mining expertise of the organization that is helping all Quebec businesses succeed in the best mining jurisdictions in the world. We are pleased to continue this collaboration, which is helping raise the international profiles of exporting companies in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Quebec."

Éric Boucher, Director General and International Commissioner, 48^e Nord International

Quick facts

• CED is one of the six regional development agencies under the responsibility of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development.
• This year marks the 50^th anniversary of federal regional economic development in Quebec: half a century of concrete action dedicated to the development of the regions and local businesses.
• For more information on CED and its priorities, consult le 2018-19 Departmental Plan or visit www.dec-ced.gc.ca.

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• Follow 48e Nord International on Facebook and LinkedIn

SOURCE Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions