NEWS RELEASE
GUELPH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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As part of its continued focus on connecting local businesses with global opportunities, today the Guelph Chamber of Commerce hosted the Honourable Michael Chan, Ontario Minister of International Trade.
Earlier this year, the Guelph Chamber welcomed the Ontario Government’s $30 million commitment to the Going Global Strategy in the Ontario Provincial Budget. As one of the fastest growing communities in Canada and noted ‘jobs powerhouse’, Guelph is an especially central ingredient in this strategy as its businesses are well positioned to expand into new markets and be active players in the global marketplace.
“Our government can help businesses in Guelph expand into international markets, but we need stronger collaboration to win global deals,” notes Minister Chan. “Guelph is a model of sector expertise and innovation, which can be applied to create more opportunities for growth and prosperity on a global scale. I look forward to further collaboration with the Guelph Chamber of Commerce as we continue to build up export across Ontario.”
Adds Kithio Mwanzia, President & CEO of the Guelph Chamber: “Given Guelph’s place as a leader in agri-business, manufacturing, energy and new technology development, it is important that the Guelph Chamber delivers on its commitment to provide further cross-border & global opportunities in these sectors for our local business community. Convening organizations that are actively involved and are eager to go global – and connecting them with key opportunities to achieve this goal – is a means of accelerating local capacity and helping these organizations reach the next level.”
How the Ontario government supports small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will impact Guelph’s economic future. To be sure, Guelph and Ontario’s ability to succeed is tied to their joint abilities to help SMEs become export-ready and scalable.
“The Guelph Chamber has been actively involved in programs and activities that better connect Guelph businesses with global opportunities,” concludes Mwanzia. “Through our Guelph Economic Leadership Forums, the Chamber has already focused on connecting businesses in a variety of sectors – including agri-food, manufacturing, infrastructure and energy – to expanding market opportunities around the world. Hosting Minister Chan today continues this important work.”
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