Global Excellence 2020

26 Acquisition International - Global Excellence 2020 Acquisition International - Issue 7 2020 67 Achieving the 2020 Award for Excellence in Regional Economic Development – Canada in Acquisition International is Québec International, the economic development agency for the Québec City provincial capital region. Working tirelessly to develop and showcase local businesses and professionals, the agency supports everyone working in the region of Québec, be they entrepreneur, professional, or investor. We take a closer look to find out just how successful the firm has been. or the businesses of Canada, and in particular the provincial capital region of Québec City, having the backing and support of a local government agency can make all the difference when it comes to success. For those working with Québec International, they can rest assured that they have a truly exceptional partner. The team at the agency will accompany clients through the various steps to grow into influential players and leaders within the regional economy. Along the way, the team make every effort possible to fulfil that promise of regional and economical stability and strength through agile and reliable services, and an expansive network to tap into. Since the formation of the agency, its mission has been mandated by the three pillars of Canadian government to help businesses and professionals grow economically and increase their international exposure. Supporting those businesses and professionals can take many forms with Québec International, and have many benefits in return. The team can develop areas of strength, bolster areas of weakness, attract talent and investment to the region, and improve the future of a business or individual. As a regional economic development agency, Québec International also has several other mandates to fulfil, such as attracting foreign investment, and ensuring development of poles on excellence, supporting commercialization, export, and innovation, amongst many others. Promoting the competitive environment around the Québec City region, Québec International is also responsible for supporting technological entrepreneurship and attracting qualified international workers from all over the globe. That does not mean that the firm forgets about supporting domestic growth. As an integrated agency, it offers a wide range of services to support businesses in the Greater Québec City area and investors from the city and further abroad. It realistically functions as a one-stop-shop where businesses and professionals can find all the support they need for the different stages of a business project. Connecting those businesses and local professionals to international partners is also a key part of the service that Québec International provides. Removing borders and putting key individuals in contact with one another is a vital benefit that the agency can offer, allowing businesses and local professionals alike to take advantage of an extensive network of clients all over the world. It is more than just neighbouring countries, as Québec International’s playing field extends from China to Colombia, India to Italy, and Spain to South Korea, and almost everywhere in between. However, it has not always been plain sailing for the team at Québec International. In the late 1990s, the Québec City region had to adopt F Championing Canada’s Capital Jan20286 a diversification strategy that would allow it to revive its economy and accelerate the hiring of new workers. Today in 2020, the regional economic development for which Québec International won its award, is thriving infinitely more than twenty years ago. Unemployment rate is at 3.1% as of 2019, and the GDP was 35.8 billion as of 2018. Boasting a strong industrial diversity, the economic growth of the Québec City region has nothing short of exceptional, and the team at Québec International has played a large role in engineering that. Yet, the growth continues. As 2020 and beyond beckons, Québec International has lofty plans for further supporting local businesses and professionals in their endeavour to keep up the excellent form that the economy has shown in recent years. Especially given the unprecedented outbreak of Covid-19, there is no better time to invest in local businesses and help them stay afloat. With 5G on the way and Canada becoming a key technological hub for companies all over the world, the time for growth and innovation is now. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the exceptional guidance and leadership of CEO, Carl Viel. His wisdom and sagacity has seen Québec International navigate periods of great economic uncertainty, and will surely prove invaluable once again in the coming months and years following the fallout of the coronavirus pandemic. As the regional economy of Québec City continues to be a vital part of the wider economy of Canada, both Mr Viel and Québec International will continue to prove invaluable to the businesses and professionals of the region. Company: Québec International Contact: Carl Viel, CEO Website: https://www.quebecinternational.ca/ 2020 Award for Excellence in Regional Economic Development - Canada