The entry of Canada into the Enterprise Europe Network in June 2020 opens a completely new range of opportunities for European SMEs in North America.
Enterprise Canada Network
The new Business Cooperation Centre established in Canada is called the Enterprise Canada Network. It comprises the German Canadian Centre for Innovation and Research (GCCIR) in Edmonton, Alberta, and the EU Chamber of Commerce in Canada West (EUCCCW) in Vancouver, British Columbia.
It currently covers the four provinces in Western Canada – British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba – and will soon be expanded to cover Eastern Canada as well.
Working with strategic partners in Canada and within a global network of over 600 business support organizations, the Enterprise Canada Network offers access to market intelligence, partnering opportunities, and innovation support for EU SMEs looking for business opportunities in Canada, and vice versa for Canadian SMEs.
“With many years of experience in fostering international connections between SMEs for trade and innovation, the GCCIR and the EUCCCW are thrilled to be able to expand our operations within a network of this calibre, and to provide SMEs from the EU and Canada with new and exciting opportunities,” says Dr. Katelyn Petersen, Executive Director of the GCCIR and Coordinator of the Enterprise Canada Network.
Opportunities for trade and technology partnerships
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a major role in the Canadian economy: 98% of all businesses have fewer than 100 employees and 99% have fewer than 500 employees. Canadian SME’s are known for their dedication to quality and drive to innovate.
Complemented by a talented international workforce, they excel in fields as diverse as: cleantech, ICT and digital media, life sciences, eerospace, advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, forestry, mining, energy and agriculture.
It is your turn now!
It is your chance to discover new opportunities and network with potential partners in Canada!
For any enquiries, EU-based SMEs should contact the local Enterprise Europe Network partner in their own country first (Enterprise Europe Network Brussels for Brussels companies) who will then get in touch with the Network member in Canada (ECN) for support.
Canada is in a great position for global trade and business, with one of the strongest and most stable economies in the world. According to the International Monetary Fund, Canada was ranked 10th in the world for its GDP last year, and 14th according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2019.
The European Union represents Canada’s second largest trading partner in goods and services after the US. It is also Canada’s second largest destination for foreign investment abroad and the second largest source of foreign investment.
Canada and the EU have always been well aware of their dynamic trade and investment relationship, which will be further enhanced through the effective implementation of a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, CETA.
“CETA is not just about tariff elimination for goods, it is above all about improved access for trade in services and government procurement, as well as addressing other trade barriers by facilitating labour mobility, regulatory cooperation, conformity assessment and mutual recognition of professional credentials,” says Alex Martyniak, Executive Director of EU Chamber of Commerce in Canada West.
“CETA has brought Canada and the EU closer together. There are already many ongoing innovative and fruitful collaborations between European and Canadian companies. Through the new cooperation in the Enterprise Europe Network, we look forward to further deepening this. We are very happy to welcome Canada in the Enterprise Europe Network.” said Benno Weissner, Center of Innovation and Technology in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Mentor for Enterprise Canada Network.
CETA is the most ambitious and progressive bilateral trade agreement to date. Assisting European and Canadian companies in capitalising on the benefits of CETA is one of the main goals of the newly established Enterprise Canada Network.
