The virtual trade mission was to France and offered Canadian businesses’ insight of the French market and opportunities. The trade mission had the subject of exploring sustainable business opportunities and a focus on the green economy and sustainable growth. The trade mission had a duration of 4 days and included over 300 delegates from over 250 Canadian companies. The delegates talked with exports over the topics of sustainable mobility, hydrogen technology, responsible goods and sustainable consumption, and information technology (IT) solutions for a green recovery.

The participants were offered business-to-business networking opportunities with a matchmaking set up by TRANSFER.LC. The virtual trade mission included the presence of the Honorable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade and Isabelle Hudon, Canada’s Ambassador to France, for a series of dynamic and interactive sessions that will expand participants’ knowledge of France’s vibrant green economy and existing avenues for transatlantic trade. A big component of the trade mission was that the participants learned how the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement can support their expansion into European markets.

Minister Ng met with Franck Riester, France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, to discuss strengthening Canada and France’s trade relations, as well as both countries’ continued support for a rules-based international trading system that is fair, inclusive, and sustainable. Minister Ng also met with Cédric O, France’s Secretary of State for the Digital Sector, with whom she discussed the path forward for trade between France and Canada in the sustainable technology sector.

During the four days a record number of women, Indigenous, and young entrepreneurs were present. Due to this, the trade mission was closed on the first of April in 2021 by minister Ng and Isabelle Hudon, the Ambassador of Canada to France, who invited Canadian business representatives—especially women, Indigenous, and racialized entrepreneurs, as well as youth and members of the LGBTQ2+ community—to connect with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service for access to funding and support programs, international opportunities, and its network of trade commissioners in more than 160 locations worldwide.

This is what was said about TRANSFER.LC’s services during the trade mission. Quotes from: 

“I would like to thank the TRANSFER team for its matchmaking services in the context of Canada’s virtual trade mission to France held during the spring of 2021. The mission focused on the green economy and allowed participants to expand their insight into the following sectors: sustainable mobility, hydrogen technologies; responsible goods and sustainable consumption; and information technology solutions for a green recovery. Within tight timelines, TRANSFER successfully organized B2B virtual meetings between Canadian companies and organizations based in France, opening the doors to export and partnership opportunities in the French market. I am grateful for your team’s responsiveness to our requirements, adaptability and result-oriented approach. Your team was persistent and creative in order to reach the goals we had set. Thank you again.”  – Patrick Boulanger, (Counselor Commercial) and Senior Trade Commissioner