Business ties with the Middle East are being strengthened to create jobs in Ontario.
On Mar. 4, Dr. Eric Hoskins, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Employment, ended a successful “business mission” to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The mission was a part of Going Global: Ontario’s Trade Strategy. It focused on possible opportunities for Ontario firms that specialize in large infrastructure projects, whilst promoting Ontario as a location for investment by Gulf region organizations.
“Ontario companies are exceptionally well-regarded in the Gulf region as long-term partners in development and business projects,” said Hoskins. “The Middle East mission was an opportunity to showcase the province’s innovation and expertise and I’m optimistic it will lead to further opportunities for Ontario businesses.”
The mission covered meeting with Qatar government officials to explore how Ontario companies can participate in the nation’s plan for economic, social and environmental development, Qatar National Vision 2030; visiting Dubai’s Tim Hortons location [the Ontario-based company that has numerous locations within the Gulf recently announced their plan to add an additional approximate 220 franchises in the region]; meeting with the International Petroleum Investment Company [IPIC] to seek future investments by Nova Chemicals, which has three major production facilities near Sarnia and while in Abu Dhabi, the regional airline Falcon Aviation announced the future plans to purchase two Bombardier CS300 aircrafts.
Falcon Aviation intends on training their pilots at the FlyCanadian pilot training school in Lindsay, Ontario. Falcon Aviation also purchased two Bombardier Q400 NextGen turboprop aircrafts in February that will be built in the Bombardier facility in Downsview, Ontario.
“We’re delighted to incorporate Ontario products and services into Falcon Aviation’s business model as we continually enhance our capabilities as a leader in Gulf-region air travel,” said Mahmoud Ismael, Chief operating officer and captain of Falcon Aviation Services. “The foundation of our company is quality, safety and customer service, and Bombardier and FlyCanadian are innovative partners in furthering these goals”
The government’s economic plan assists companies to access new global markets under the consensus of creating jobs for today and tomorrow.
Ontario’s exported goods to Qatar has increased almost 30 per cent between 2008 and 2012; exported goods valued at $260 million in 2012 alone. According to the Conference Board of Canada, for every $100 million increase in exports there are approximately 1,000 new jobs created.
