The federal government needs to streamline its services for companies doing business abroad and do a better job of promoting Canada’s "business brand," says a new report from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.
The report released today recommends Canada put a renewed focus on promoting Canadian trade or it will miss out on the opportunities promised by recent free-trade deals with South Korea and the European Union.
It points to the slow recovery of exports in Canada after the recession, saying the volume of merchandise exports shipped in 2012 was actually five per cent lower than in 2000, if the price increases enjoyed by commodities suppliers are discounted.
Among the G7 countries, Australia, the U.S., Germany and Japan outstrip Canada in growth of exports and even the falling loonie has failed to fully revive the export sector.
Canadian businesses need more than trade agreements to succeed internationally, including diplomatic support to help business people overcome hurdles, says the report titled Turning the corner: How to restore Canada’s trade success.
Among the recommendations: Integrate the federal services aimed at business development. There are too many different programs in different departments (Trade Commissioner, Export Development Canada, Canadian Commercial Corp., Industry Canada, Natural Resources Canada, Agriculture Canada) with service agents unaware of what is offered by other departments.
Reach out to business with marketing campaigns that explain federal programs.
Provide a single portal or contact point for business trade promotion services.
Take a more active approach to promoting Canada’s business brand, including more high level delegations in which business people travel with politicians.
Work with the private sector and provinces to co-ordinate trade delegations.
Expand the skill set of trade commissioners in the diplomatic service.
Existing federal programs for export development are underused, the chamber argues, saying there is room to make federal efforts more effective.
