Trade Missions offer excellent opportunities for exporters—or representatives of companies that plan to export—to familiarize themselves with market opportunities and to meet face-to-face with key contacts and representatives that can help start or expand an export network. Key contacts may include potential buyers and partners, agents and distributors, government officials, association leaders and chambers of commerce.
In the case of missions supported by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, outgoing missions may be led by the Premier, Cabinet Ministers, and/or senior government officials. Incoming buyer missions give Ontario companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services, and meet buyers and senior foreign delegates.
The federal Government, through Federal Trade Commissioners, actively supports export activities by Canadian suppliers of goods and services through over 150 overseas offices. Visit the Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada website for a list of trade offices around the world.
Canadian Trade Commissioners can:
- promote your company to local customers
- advise on marketing channels
- recommend participation in trade shows and other business events
- identify suitable foreign firms to act as agents
- help you find credit and business information on potential foreign partners
- give advice regarding problems with duties, taxes, foreign exchange, work permits
- advise on a country's current trade, business and financial environment and practices
- advise and assist you with foreign joint ventures and licensing
