South America: a crucial group of partners for Canadian businesses

Seminar's presentations

   Manuel Ribeiro - Portrait des quatre pays
   Marc Bélanger - Cadre juridique et fiscal
   Richard Martel - Logistique et transport
   Carolina Duque - Culture d'affaires en Amérique du Sud

With a view to market diversification, Canada is actively reinforcing its engagement with the Pacific Alliance—formed by Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Peru—and in June 2017 it has been approached to become one of the new Associate Members of the Alliance. With a combined gross domestic product of about $2.3 billion and a population of more than 220 million, the Pacific Alliance represents a crucial group of partners for our economy.

While collaborative projects worth more than $21 million over five years have been confirmed, this is the ideal moment to explore new commercial avenues and investment opportunities in three of these founding countries—Peru, Colombia and Chile—and their close neighbour, Argentina.

On June 7, attend a seminar on business opportunities in South America to discover opportunities for your company and benefit from practical advice from experts and businesses active in the Argentinian, Colombian, Chilean and Peruvian markets.

A unique opportunity to:

• Assess the development potential of your business in South American countries
• Network with other Quebec businesses looking at these markets
• Benefit from advice from experts and businesses active in South America

PRELIMINARY PROGRAM

About South America (Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Peru):

• In 2016, these countries had a combined population of 145 million.
• Colombia, Chile and Peru are all signatories of a free trade agreement with Canada. Argentina, linked to Canada through an agreement for the promotion and protection of foreign investments, has been making efforts to increase its commercial ties to Canada since the establishment of the government of Mauricio Macri, the current president of Argentina.
• Chile, Peru and Colombia are all founding countries of the Pacific Alliance. This economic community—started in 2015­—is closely linked to Canada and represents a crucial group of partners for our economy.

Argentina

• Argentina’s GDP grew 2.5% in 2017. In 2016, Argentina was the third largest economy in Latin America.
• The Argentinian government’s current policy is focused on pro-market reforms. A business and investment forum was organized in September 2016.
• The value of Canadian exports to Argentina amounts to CAD307.7 million.

Chile

• Chile’s GDP grew 1.4% in 2017. In 2018, this growth is projected to reach 2.3%.
• The country benefits from excellent solvency and is the biggest South American importer per capita.
• The value of Canadian exports to Chile amounts to CAD790.31 million.

Colombia

• Colombia’s GDP grew 1.7% in 2017. In 2018, this growth is optimistically projected to reach 3%.
• Political and economic stability for several years. Access to a qualified and educated workforce.
• Commercial trade is going well between Colombia and Canada. The value of Canadian exports to Columbia amounts to CAD782.80 million.

Peru

• Peru’s annual growth increased 2.7% in 2017 and is projected to increase by 3.8% in 2018.
• Major investments in infrastructure like airports, ports and public transport due to the fact that Lima will be hosting the Pan American Games in 2019.
• The value of Canadian exports to Peru amounts to CAD858.28 million, making Peru Canada’s second largest commercial partner in Latin America.

Who should participate?

• All companies interested in developing their business in South America or learn more about those markets
• Businesses in the following sectors:
• Agriculture and agri-food
• Renewable energy
• Green construction and infrastructure
• Electricity
• Mining and metals
• Defence and security
• Lumber and pulp and paper
• Oil and natural gas
• ICT