Exploring the Missouri-Canada business boom

ST. LOUIS — The task was straightforward: cover the news conference announcing Air Canada’s new, seasonal service from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Montreal. It seemed easy enough, as we had covered similar stories before. However, beyond the accents, crowd, and cake, a bigger story emerged. Business between the Show-Me-State and our northern neighbors is thriving.

“There’s definitely a noticeable trend between Quebec and the Show-Me-State right now. The numbers speak volumes: 8.5 percent growth over the last five years and almost two billion dollars in trade relationships. Things are moving in the right direction,” stated Jean-François Hould, the Midwest delegate of the Quebec Government, in an interview on May 2, 2024.

“Not only do Canadian businesses benefit from this connection, but St. Louis companies are also seizing the opportunities in Canada,” remarked Tim Nowak, Executive Director of the World Trade Center St. Louis.

Nowak highlighted Canada as Missouri’s and the St. Louis region’s largest trade and investment partner. In 2023, Missouri saw $4.3 billion in imports from Canada and $6.5 billion in exports to Canada.

“With distribution opportunities like Rail, River, Road, and now, air, we have a strong foundation for conducting business in North America. Industries such as AG technology, Bio-life science, Financial industries, and now, geospatial, are some of our key strengths,” added Nowak.

Following the Air Canada announcement on May 2, Nowak and a group of local leaders embarked on a four-day trade mission to Montreal.

“Shortly after our return, representatives from the Quebec province were already back in St. Louis, meeting with companies and organizations from our trade mission. The work is ongoing and building momentum,” stated Nowak.

Vincent Routhier’s Quebec-based company produces state-of-the-art audiovisual systems with educational applications. St. Louis Public School district is set to equip every elementary school gym with a Lü system.

“We were quickly introduced to government and economic development organizations, and the connectivity between cities made it easier for us to do business locally. This success story shows how the Gateway to the West can boost Canadian companies,” said Routhier.

“This marks the beginning of a promising relationship where we can gain valuable insights,” Routhier added.

“In a global economy that is highly connected, it’s imperative that we engage and compete as a community. And that is exactly what we are doing,” concluded Nowak.

Source link