OWIT-Toronto participated in a lively roundtable discussion organized by Global Affairs Canada with Ambassador Isabelle Hudon, the first female Canadian Ambassador to France. She outlined opportunities for Canadian exporters in the French market with a population of 67 million and noted that “love capital for Canadian businesses is huge in France”, emphasizing there is a growing appetite to learn more about Ontario.

Other topics discussed included Canada’s free trade agreement with the EU, CETA, trade missions for women (one upcoming to Paris and Brussels) and CanExport funding, with attendees sharing their experiences and perspectives.

Among the Ambassador’s tips for ensuring success: Invest time to get to know potential partners and understand the culture Access the Trade Commissioner Service for market knowledge and to help introduce you to partners Be very confident in your dealings but don’t focus on your gender.

For more information on how TCS can help, connect with Viktoria Palfi at Viktoria.Palfi@international.gc.ca, the Business Women in International Trade contact point in Toronto.