The Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Nadine Girault, accompanied by the five Quebec postmasters in Asia, participated today in the Luncheon of the Montreal Council on International Relations (CORIM).

(Translation by Google) Montreal, October 18, 2019 - The Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie, Nadine Girault, accompanied by the five Quebec postmasters in Asia attended the Luncheon of the Montreal Council on International Relations (CORIM). In front of more than 400 participants, Minister Girault emphasized that Asia was at the heart of the strategy to increase Quebec's strength abroad. 
 

Minister Girault's address preceded the panel of heads of post, which brought together David Brulotte, Quebec's Delegate General in Tokyo, Jean-François Lépine, Director of the Quebec Representations in China, Valérie Boissonneault, Director of the Quebec Office in Seoul Francis Paradis, Director of the Quebec Office in Mumbai, and René Sylvestre, Director of the Quebec Office in Singapore. The panelists were able to discuss the concrete action of the representations of Quebec present in five Asian countries, whose mission aims in part to support companies and organizations in Quebec to better benefit from this growing market. They were also able to elaborate on the various possibilities offered on the territory for the Quebec companies wishing to break into the Asian markets. 

For the past decade, Québec's exports to Asia-Pacific have doubled and now represent 10% of Québec's total exports. This region offers tremendous potential for Quebec businesses because it is home to the world's largest middle class and its economic growth is strongest. While the government advocates the diversification of both export markets and the source of investment, Québec's representations in Asia offer a competitive advantage. Quebec must position itself in the face of this region in full change and advocate for a dialogue that will allow it to promote Quebec assets. 

Quote: 

"Asia and the West will be increasingly important partners in world politics and the global economy. This offers business opportunities, but also has significant challenges. We need only think about the challenges the pork and canola industry is facing these days. Despite these important issues, it is important to approach the relationship with Asia with confidence and openness. " 

Nadine Girault, Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie 

Highlights: 
 

• Québec has a large network of representations in Asia, established in five countries. He has been present for several years in Japan, China, South Korea and India. The Quebec Office in Singapore was added in 2018.
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• The Asian market represents more than 50% of the world's population and is home to the largest middle class in the world.
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• China, Japan and South Korea are respectively the 2nd, 6th and 9th customers of Quebec in the world. In 2018, Quebec exported $ 3.6 billion to China, $ 1.6 billion to Japan, and $ 1.2 billion to South Korea.
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• Education is also a very promising sector for Quebec, where China and India respectively represent the 2nd and 4th contingents of foreign students in Quebec.
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• In recent years, Asia has become more accessible than ever with the addition of several direct flights from Montreal, including to Beijing, Shanghai and Tokyo. Japan and South Korea are also good markets to increase tourism in Quebec.
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• The Asia Day is organized by the Ministry of International Relations and Francophonie, the CORIM, the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food .
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• The Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie is currently working on two major projects: updating Québec's International Policy and implementing a strategy to conquer foreign markets. The Québec government is determined to increase its international economic strike force and will take concrete steps in this direction.

Source :
Maeva Proteau
Attachée de presse
Cabinet de la ministre des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie
Tél. : 418 454-1748

Information :
Serge Labrecque
Direction des communications et des affaires publiques
Ministère des Relations internationales et de la Francophonie
Tél. : 418 649-2400, poste 57161
mrif.gouv.qc.ca
Québec.ca/international 

(Source: mrif.gouv.qc.ca)