International Opportunities for Canadian Service Firms

Source:
exportsource.ca - Curtis and Michelle Cook

Source URL:
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02165.html

Body:
More than ever, Canadian companies are discovering that their services are in demand around the world. To compete successfully, these firms need to know how to tap into the wealth of opportunities that exist in foreign markets. Governments and businesses worldwide are facing myriad challenges: from resource limitations and outsourcing specialized functions, to skills upgrades, training and staying competitive. Canada’s vibrant service industry can export the solutions for these and many other challenges.

Finding out about international opportunities is not as difficult as one may believe. Following trends in industries that pertain to a service firm’s area of expertise can provide insight into developments in particular markets. Keeping track of new government initiatives and announcements or regulatory changes in target markets can open doors for the provision of specialized services. Seeking out the successful bidder of a large contract and inquiring about subcontracting opportunities can lead to business abroad.

Export leads can also be found through the Internet and online news services. But Canadian firms have the added advantage of e-Leads, the International Business Opportunities Centre’s electronic leads system. This free subscription service delivers international business leads to the desktops of businesses interested in exporting their services. Combined with SourceCAN (www.sourcecan.com), Canada’s national e-marketplace and business portal, e-Leads helps Canadian firms get wired for international business opportunities.

Companies seeking current and actionable market intelligence can also take advantage of market studies and reports prepared by International Trade Canada at www.infoexport.gc.ca. These studies cover various industry sectors and markets around the world, providing valuable information on market trends, growth potential and key contacts at home and abroad.

There are a number of routes Canadian firms can take to export their services but they all begin in the same place: at home preparing for export success. Regardless of the size of the business or the service it offers, Canadian service firms looking to export will find the bulk of export preparation is conducted before they leave the country. And, they need not tackle this preparation alone. Trade Team Canada Service Industries (TTCSI) - part of the Team Canada Inc network - is helping companies seeking services exporting opportunities in world markets.

TTCSI works directly with industry to plan joint international business development initiatives. It is developing information products for service firms, promoting alliances to target international opportunities, pursuing projects financed by international financial institutions such as the World Bank, and seeking opportunities for Canadian companies in public-private infrastructure markets. Any firm exploring export opportunities relating to capital projects, infrastructure, consulting or other services can benefit from the assistance of TTCSI.

So take a world view and export your services. Join other Canadian service firms experiencing the benefits of increased sales and profits, diversified markets, new approaches to business and global competitiveness. Visit the International Business Opportunities Centre online at www.e-leads.ca and Take a World View: Export Your Services at exportsource.ca/worldview. You can also call the Team Canada Inc Export Information Service at 1 888 811-1119.
http://exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02165.html