September 10, 2010

Export Development Canada showcases construction, infrastructure specialists

VINCE VERSACE

staff writer

Export Development Canada has a team of specialists for Canadian construction and infrastructure exporters to tap into for innovative business solutions and international expansion opportunities.

“We are trying to strive for what our customers are asking for and responding to those needs and with current technology, it is easier to do that,” said Marie-Claude Erian, sector advisor for infrastructure and environment at Export Development Canada (EDC).

EDC recently held a webinar showcasing its infrastructure and financial specialists in a panel discussion setting.

EDC’s project-support solutions cover financing, bonding, credit insurance, political risk insurance and project financing, all areas that can help Canadian exporters in the construction, infrastructure and environmental fields.

“People are more familiar with our credit services,” Erian said. “We are often asked through our surveys by customers about wanting to know more about what else EDC does.

“For the panel, this was the first time we had our five key product services before customers online at the same time.”

EDC’s online webinar events are proving to be very effective in reaching its clients, said Erian.

Past webinars have included how Canadian construction companies could take a bite out of the American stimulus funding pie and international regional investment and project opportunities, from Latin America to Asia.

Last year, EDC-facilitated business helped generate $61 billion of Canadian GDP and supported an estimated 642,000 jobs. Export industry experts estimate that Canadian exports maintain one of every five jobs in Canada and generate nearly 25 per cent of national income.

EDC expertise also helped facilitate $82.8 billion in exports, investments and domestic support in 187 markets of which $18.7 billion was in 143 emerging markets, $16.9 billion in partnership with financial institutions and $4.2 billion in Canadian direct investment abroad.

In 2009 EDC’s mandate was temporarily expanded to include support for domestic trade and domestic business opportunities. Domestically, EDC provided $2.5 billion in support for 208 Canadian companies.

“Some of our customers in the construction sector have been affected by the United States economic decline,” said Erian.

“We have been receiving more calls for help about foreign markets and about the tools they may not be aware of, that we provide, since they do most of their work in North America.”

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in the U.S. recently reported that construction spending in was down 11 per cent over the past 12 months and one-third lower than the high-water mark set in February 2006. There were spending declines in all 12 private non-residential construction categories and 10 of the 14 public categories. AGC said depressed private sector activity and local and state budget cuts are offsetting stimulus–funded construction spending.

More information about EDC’s specialist panel and services is available at www.edc.ca

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