Getting Things Done for Alberta: Minister Ambrose Announces Funding to Help Western Businesses Benefit From Access to Global Markets

May 09, 2008

Today in Edmonton, Minister Ambrose announced two new initiatives launched by the Government of Canada and Province of Alberta that will create more opportunities for local firms to commercialize and export products or services to emerging international markets.

“The Government of Canada is helping western Canadian businesses take advantage of emerging opportunities to commercialize and introduce their products and services in markets around the world,” said Minister Ambrose.  “The launch of these new initiatives will enable Alberta companies to become more globally competitive and create new synergies with international partners.”

"These initiatives fit well with our government’s Global Commerce Strategy, which aggressively seeks to advance Canada's prospects in the global economy,” said the Honourable David Emerson, Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. “Two-way investment initiatives such as this one helps our economy by supporting our companies to be more competitive and innovative and provides new opportunities to increase the prosperity of Canadian workers and businesses."

“Alberta is an emerging technology leader and it’s critical to seek partnerships to help Alberta companies build relationships and presence in the world’s fastest growing economies,” said Doug Horner, Minister of Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. “These two programs recognize the importance Alberta places on our future and building a knowledge-based economy to compete globally.” 

More than $1.1 million in combined funding will help establish the Alberta International Business Partnering Program, which will support local firms looking to capitalize on export opportunities with China, California and India.  The program will provide businesses in the information and communications technologies (ICT) and life science sectors with the highly focused information and training needed to build partnerships in international markets.

The Alberta International Business Partnering Program will be carried out over a 20-month period and will support activities such as symposia, seminars and trade missions.  Participating companies will also have an opportunity to temporarily locate to facilities within Hong Kong or California as they begin conducting business in those markets. 

In addition, a combined investment of $1.2 million toward the International Science and Technology Partnerships (ISTP) China-Alberta Program will support Alberta companies, academic research institutions and other private sector institutes in building research and development partnerships with organizations in China.  The program will facilitate technology collaboration and commercialization by providing firms with access to China’s best facilities, equipment, talent and knowledge.