A strategic alliance with an appropriate local partner can reduce substantially the time and money it will take for you to develop business abroad. A local partner already has a network of contacts, knows the key cultural variables and can provide you with a local office.

Depending on your needs, you may wish to seek a partner in your same industry or in a complementary industry. For example, high-tech firms may find it useful to partner with a local marketing firm.

Industry associations may be able to recommend local firms interested in foreign partners. Similarly, the Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation's International Trade Branch and/or the Canadian Trade Commission may have a list of appropriate local candidates. Remember that local partners are also interested in opportunities for themselves in Canada, so select a partner whose expertise can also help you in your domestic market.

An alternative to foreign partners or going-it-alone is to have a Canadian partner. Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation's Export Development Branch, Industry Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have been working together on developing a more formal "business network" system to help Canadian exporters achieve competitive economies of scale.