Posts Tagged ‘trade mission’

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January 18th, 2013

Peru – South America series

Peru…let me tell you a bit of my story. I first set foot in Peru approximately ten years ago on a backpacking trip. At the time, I didn’t know what Peru had to offer. Such surprises, such beautiful discoveries, such delightful encounters… I went back again in May of 2012, and I can tell you that Peru in general, and Lima in particular, have changed enormously. One need only think of the Miraflores district, which is home to chic hotels, casinos and shopping centres that could be the envy of Carrefour Laval. For a video sample of Peru, I invite you to check out the following hyperlink: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gx9qKYcA4nM. Throughout this note, I will give you a few of the reasons that lead me to believe that you would be very well advised to take a look at this market. (more…)

January 18th, 2013

Chile – South America series

A few months ago, I visited four countries, including Chile, during an exploratory mission to South America. Here are my main observations.

Favourable investment climate

Chile has one of the most favourable markets and one of the most favourable investment climates in Latin America. According to the World Bank, it ranks first in this area in South America, thanks to the transparency of its regulatory systems, the credibility of its decision makers and the stability and performance of its economy, among other things. On the whole, Chile’s success can be attributed to its adoption of a prudent approach to economic policy matters over three decades, including a regulation-focused macroeconomic management strategy, moderate public expenditures and efforts to attract direct foreign investment. On the other hand, the Chilean market is highly competitive. Approximately 4,000 companies from 60 different countries have discovered the advantages of doing business in Chile. (more…)

January 18th, 2013

Brazil – South America series

A few months ago, I visited four countries, including Brazil, during an exploratory mission to South America. Here are my main observations.

Based on the evidence that I gathered during the course of my meetings, it is difficult for a Québec SME to do business in Brazil, primarily because the country is highly protectionist, there is extensive corruption, the legal system is complex, taxes are very high, the infrastructure is inadequate, etc., etc. Given these challenges, it is preferable to establish a local presence rather than to export directly, particularly in light of the high tax rates. In fact, there are 3 levels of taxation in Brazil (municipal, provincial and federal). The World Bank corroborates this opinion, noting that the country ranks 126th out of 180 countries in terms of the ease of conducting business. (more…)

April 18th, 2012

Looking for business partners abroad?

On April 10, seven Laval entrepreneurs attended a Webinar on two trade missions , one to Futurallia Lille Region 2012 (June 27 to 29) and another to Centrallia Manitoba 2012 (October 10 to 12). The purpose of the briefing, attended by companies from various regions of Quebec, was to explain the Allia concept and to present the prices and programs of the two events.

Briefly, Futurallia and Centrallia are two international business to business match-making forums, where upwards of 600 SME leaders from different countries and sectors gather for pre-arranged meetings over a period of two days. Quebec sends business delegations to these events each year, with great success.
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October 18th, 2010

Brazil has captured the world’s attention. Has it captured yours?

These days, it seems the entire financial world is talking about Brazil. In fact, the country is enjoying tremendous economic growth, unemployment is at an all time low, a real middle class seems to be emerging and the country is getting ready to organize the world’s two biggest sports events—the 2014 Soccer World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games. A huge market, Brazil is increasingly becoming an unavoidable choice since so many developed nations, including the U.S, are struggling with a sluggish economy. That’s why, as some of the articles below point out, a growing number of Canadian and Quebec firms are turning to the Brazilian market while the Canadian government is working to forge closer ties with the Brazilian government with  a view offering its advice and helping the country organize the Olympic Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.

Dossier de La Presse Affaires Magazine

Dossier Lesaffaires.Monde

However, the Brazilian market is tough to penetrate because of its size, language, cultural differences and entry barriers (very high customs duties on certain products for example). To be successful there, you have to surround yourself with the right people, get familiar with the market and be ready to maintain a presence for the long term to build a good business network.

Here are two testimonials of Laval companies that have penetrated the Brazilian market and who talk about their experience in Brazil and other Latin American countries: Interview with Jean Soucy of Technologies 20-20 and a profile of CDVI.

As a matter of fact, the International Business Centre is planning to organize a trade mission to Brazil in fall 2011.  When we organize our trade missions, we work with well-established local experts who arrange the right meetings with the right people based on the needs of our participants. These experts can also ensure certain follow-up activities with potential clients or partners. Lastly, the participating companies benefit from expert guidance from the International Business Centre team during and after the mission. The spinoffs of our last mission to Mexico were impressive and all the participants were very satisfied with their involvement. For more information, please contact Caroline Bouchard at 450-978-5902 or at caroline.bouchard@lavaltechnopole.com.

Bruno Séguin

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