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Canada—the land of business opportunity just across the border Canada, our neighbor across the border, is the largest trading partner with the United States as a whole, as well as Virginia. Last year, Virginia exported over $2.63 billion in commodities to Canada. Thus far this year, we are right on track with exports to Canada, through May of 2007, exceeding $1.07 billion dollars. Did you know? Interesting facts about our neighbors to the north: 141,000 Virginia jobs are supported by Canada-U.S. trade Total Canada–U.S. merchandise trade: $411 billion Canada–U.S. trade supported 5.2 million U.S. jobs Clothing Canadians—Virginia supplied its neighbor with $116 million in textiles Leading the field in top export industries, Virginia’s major industries are prominently reflected, the top ten being: vehicles heavy equipment and machinery mineral fuels and oils paper and paper board electrical machinery plastics rubber iron and steel chemical products medical equipment Within these sectors, the fastest growing are medical devices, security/safety equipment, oil and gas field machinery, computer software and water resources equipment/service. The U.S. is also a principle source of new technology and machinery for Canadian companies constructing new plants, or looking to upgrade existing facilities. Considering that the United States and Canada share the world’s longest border, and that 90% of Canada’s population of 32 million people live within 100 miles of that border, it is clear that the U.S. and Canadian economies are closely intertwined. American made products have a competitive advantage in Canada over other foreign imports thanks to NAFTA. With air, freight and rail all shipping options, as well as the ease with which one can travel to and from Canada, it is an attractive export market for those who are current exporters or for the new-to-export companies. Additionally, beyond its location, cultural similarities and decreased language barriers make it an attractive market as well. If your company has a great product and you’re not currently exporting to Canada, now is the time to consider doing so. For companies who are already in Canada, depending on if you are exporting by default or design, your company could realize even greater Canadian market share. The Division of International Trade is leading a trade mission to Canada, focusing on Toronto and Montreal. The trip will run from October 29 – November 2, 2007. Led by Diane Thomas, International Trade Manager, companies will meet with potential buyers for their products or services. The global resources of the Division of International Trade will work one-on-one to ascertain your company’s products and end users, and then will work to find companies in Canada to fit those requirements. Best of all, when you finally sit down to meet them face-to-face, you know that they have already been pre-screened for their interest in your products. Essentially, all you have to do is show up—we do all the work for you. Thus, by joining us on a trade mission, you save time, you minimize risk, you decrease your costs and ultimately, you increase your sales. For more information on how you join the Canadian trade mission, contact Diane Thomas via e-mail or by calling her at (276) 623-1536. You may also register for this event on-line by clicking here. The deadline to register is September 4, 2007, so pick up the phone and call or register today! http://geo.international.gc.ca/can-am/washington/state_trade_2005/virginia-en.asp http://www.buyusainfo.net/docs/x_1174492.pdf