Small Business Conquering Europe

The Exporting Quebec initiative puts forth a strategy of specialization targeting international markets that offer major development potential for Quebec-based SMEs.

Due to its global economic importance and the many business opportunities it has to offer, Europe is one of the key business pillars for the international positioning of Canadian companies.

Europe

Europe is a market of almost 500 million inhabitants. Its educated population is made up of a vast middle class, which represents a large pool of qualified workers and consumers.

Though the sovereign debt crisis certainly had an impact on the economy, several interesting business opportunities remain for Quebec and Canadian companies.

Over the next few years, Europe’s economic vitality will be led by emerging economies, such as the Ukraine, Slovakia, and Poland, which have annual growth rates of about 4%, as well as by the Scandinavian countries, renowned for their stability.

Europe represents:

• The largest common market in the world
• Average growth of 2.4% in 2010 and 2011
• A common currency for 17 countries

Canada-Quebec / Europe relations today:

• The European Union is Quebec’s second largest market
• Canadian exports to Europe totalled $34 billion in 2010
• A comprehensive economic and trade agreement is in the works between the European Union and Canada

Our specialized, turnkey services for this promising market:

• La Presse: special section on Europe (FRENCH ONLY)
  Publication date: Friday, October 21, 2011

 

• Trade Mission: France and Belgium
  November 7 to 16, 2011
  Attend the BATIMAT international construction trade fair in Paris
  Meet buyers from the building sector in Belgium

 

• Business Opportunities: Scandinavia and the Baltic countries
  April 19, 2012
  Sector: Multisectoral

To learn more

Export Development Canada
A guide on insurance, financing, and bonding for Canadian businesses

Department of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade
Market fact sheets, reading list, trade missions, resource people, and products imported and exported by Quebec

Trade Commissioner Service – Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
Virtual trade commissioner, market studies, funding opportunities