Scott Selects Canadian Company as Liaison Officer for International Trade | national news

(The Center Square) – With the Canadian border now open to the movement of tourists and goods, the governor has announced the establishment of a new link for Canadian companies looking to do business in Vermont.

Governor Phil Scott said in a Press release he chose CIDEP, a Montreal firm specializing in economic development, as the new trade and investment representative and liaison in Canada.

“Our connection to Canada runs deep, and as the land border reopens, communities and families reconnect, Canadian travelers are returning and businesses can once again focus on expanding operations and increasing trade.” with Vermont, ”Scott said in the release. “We hope this reconnection will remind Canadian companies of what Vermont has to offer when considering expanding or doing business here, while also generating interest in Vermont products north of the border.

CIDEP, the statement said, will be responsible for generating leads for investments in Vermont projects while identifying companies looking to expand into the US market.

According to the release, the state exported more than $ 918 million in goods to Canada and imported more than $ 1.7 billion in Canadian goods. Over two-thirds of Canadian imports were used in the production of American-made products.

“The relationship between Quebec and Vermont is more than commercial,” said Michel Belval, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Quebec. “For more than 100 years, we have shared the same values. We support environmental projects, family businesses and small and medium-sized businesses. The opening of the new office in Vermont in Quebec is a sign that our relationship can only continue to grow and that our partnership is better than ever.

According to the statement, the Vermont Department of Economic Development selected CIDEP after a competitive bidding process. CIDEP will also promote Vermont as an “investment destination” to encourage more “two-way trade”.

Scott called for funding the two-year project with CIDEP in his budget speech, seeking investment in the state’s economy, workforce and communities. Funding was approved with the passage of Bill 74 in June.