Gain access to the European markets

Speaker's presentations

• THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC CRISIS: CURRENT STATE OF AFFAIRS AND FORECASTS - Robert Hogue, Senior Economist, RBC
• A POLITICAL EUROPE: ENLARGEMENT OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, POLITICAL CONTEXT, AND FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS - Rafal Lapkowski, Advisor, Economic and Trade Section, Delegation of the European Union to Canada
• BUSINESS PROSPECTS: DEMYSTIFYING FAVOURABLE OPPORTUNITIES AND HIGHPOTENTIALSECTORS FOR QUÉBEC IN EUROPE - Marc Fillion, Coordinator, Western Europe, Export Québec
• DOING BUSINESS IN EUROPE: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANADA AND EUROPE - Shahir Guindi, Partner, Corporate Law, Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP
• REACHING THE EUROPEAN MARKET AND CONSUMER: DEVELOPING A MARKETING AND COMMERCIALIZATION STRATEGY - Raphaëlle Mandelbaum, Directeur Opérations Canada, Groupe SALVEO SAS
• TESTIMONIALS FROM QUÉBEC BUSINESSES: SUCCEEDING AS A QUÉBEC-BASED BUSINESS ON THE EUROPEAN MARKET - Thierry Pagé, President and CEO Odotech
  Dominique Quintal, Director, Business Development, GGI International

THE ACTIVITY IN BRIEF

The current performance of the Canadian economy, along with our strong banking system, are assets for the development of our companies in the vast market of the European Union.

As an introduction to an appearance by the 23^rd president of France, Nicolas Sarkozy, at our forum, this seminar will bring together several experts on the European Union who will share their advice to help you understand how to benefit from the current environment and plan the next steps of your business development in Europe.

Click here to view the program

Participation in this activity is free with the purchase of a ticket for the business luncheon in the International Leaders series featuring Nicolas Sarkozy.

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO…

• Get the facts about the economic situation in Europe and learn about the most promising sectors
• Learn about the most recent developments regarding negotiations that should lead to the conclusion of a trade agreement between Canada and the European Union
• Assess your market development strategy in Europe
• Hear experts and entrepreneurs discuss their experience on these markets

WHY THE EUROPEAN UNION?

Canada and the European Union (EU) are about to conclude a historic trade agreement that will change our companies’ business development prospects in the 27 member countries of the EU, whose combined GDP is $17.600 trillion, making it the largest market in the world.

Despite the recent downturn in certain economies in Europe, the continent remains an excellent business destination with several advantages:

• The European Union has 500 million consumers whose average standard of living is comparable to that of Canadians;
• It is a highly developed market, ideal for high added value products and expert services;
• Large European cities are also exceptional commercial showcases, frequented by the global elite and populated by pioneering consumers;
• Europe is a major centre of production, where a large number of leading global multinationals manage supply chains made up of many suppliers;
• European business culture is similar to our own.

WHO SHOULD TAKE PART?

• Entrepreneurs seeking to enter the European markets, or who are already present in Europe but want to learn more;
• Entrepreneurs seeking to benefit from the experience of Quebec companies that are already established in Europe;
• Anyone interested in the development of trade negotiations between Canada and the European Union.