Co-organized by the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ) and the CGEM, this week-long visit highlighted business and cooperation opportunities in various sectors, including technology, aerospace, innovation , agri-food and logistics, indicate the two professional organizations in a press release published Monday.
The mission took place in Montreal, Quebec, Sherbrooke, Repentigny and L’Assomption, offering an “in-depth vision” of Quebec’s potential. It was punctuated by meetings with companies, public institutions and universities.
These exchanges made it possible, it is indicated, to explore avenues of collaboration and business partnerships on key issues such as digital transformation, sustainable development, and innovation.
“I am convinced that this first visit of the CGEM to Quebec will mark the beginning of significant economic benefits, both for Quebec and for Morocco,” noted Karl Blackburn, president and CEO of the Conseil du patronat du Québec, quoted in the press release.
“Quebec entrepreneurs find in Morocco privileged access to the African continent, making this country an essential partner for any company in international expansion,” he added.
“We are closing this economic mission to Canada even more convinced of the great complementarity between the Moroccan and Canadian economies, particularly Quebec,” indicated, for his part, the president of the CGEM, Chakib Alj.
He added that the Moroccan economic mission made it possible to present the “competitive advantages” of Morocco as a land of investment as well as the advances made by the Kingdom under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, which make the Kingdom a platform to Europe and a hub to Africa.
The CGEM and the CPQ, recalls the press release, work in partnership, in particular through the Morocco-Canada Business Council, with a view to strengthening bilateral economic relations, driven by a shared vision of the future and a common desire to create sustainable bridges between their businesses. A Quebec economic mission to Morocco is announced for 2025.
How can collaboration between universities and businesses enhance innovation in Quebec?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Business Expert on Quebec’s Economic Potential
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special edition of our podcast where we delve into the exciting developments in international business cooperation. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Marie-Louise Tremblay, an expert in economic development and innovation. Dr. Tremblay, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Tremblay: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Recently, a week-long mission was co-organized by the Conseil du patronat du Québec (CPQ) and the CGEM to explore business opportunities in Quebec. Can you share some insights on the significance of this event?
Dr. Tremblay: Absolutely! This mission was pivotal as it highlighted Quebec as a hub of innovation and cooperation across various sectors. The fact that it encompassed technology, aerospace, agri-food, logistics, and more indicates the region’s diverse economic landscape. Quebec offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses looking to expand or invest.
Editor: The mission took place across several cities, including Montreal and Sherbrooke. What do you think were the key takeaways from the interactions in these locations?
Dr. Tremblay: Each city has its unique strengths. Montreal, for instance, is known for its technological advancements and vibrant startup culture. In contrast, Sherbrooke has a strong focus on research and education. These exchanges allowed participants to gain an in-depth vision of Quebec’s potential. They had the opportunity to meet with local companies, public institutions, and universities, creating a rich network of knowledge and potential partnerships.
Editor: That’s fascinating! Could you elaborate on how these meetings between businesses and universities can stimulate innovation in Quebec?
Dr. Tremblay: Certainly! Collaboration between academia and industry is crucial for innovation. Universities can provide cutting-edge research, access to talent, and the latest developments in technology. By connecting with businesses, they can ensure that research is aligned with market needs. This synergy fosters a culture of innovation, leading to the development of new products and services that can compete globally.
Editor: And when we talk about sectors like aerospace and agri-food, how crucial is it for Quebec to leverage its local strengths in these industries?
Dr. Tremblay: Quebec has a rich history in aerospace, housing global players like Bombardier. The agri-food sector, too, has unique qualities owing to the region’s agricultural diversity and technological advancements in food production. Leveraging these strengths not only boosts the local economy but also establishes Quebec as a leading player in these industries on a global scale.
Editor: It’s clear that relationships built during these missions can lead to long-term collaborations. Are there any challenges you foresee when businesses from different regions try to establish these partnerships?
Dr. Tremblay: One of the challenges could be cultural differences, as business practices vary significantly across regions. Additionally, aligning goals and expectations can be tricky. However, with effective communication and a willingness to understand each partner’s perspective, these challenges can be overcome. Building trust is essential in forming successful collaborations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tremblay. As we conclude our interview, what do you see as the future of Quebec’s economic partnerships, particularly in the context of international cooperation?
Dr. Tremblay: The future looks promising. With continued efforts in fostering connections and promoting innovation, Quebec has the potential to become a pivotal player in global markets. As businesses recognize the value Quebec offers, we could see an influx of investment and expertise, further enhancing the region’s reputation as a leader in innovation.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Tremblay, for sharing your expertise with us today. Your insights are invaluable in understanding Quebec’s economic landscape and future potential.
Dr. Tremblay: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these important topics with you.
Editor: And thank you to our listeners for tuning in. Stay tuned for more insights on global business trends and developments.