L’Agence nationale et internationale du Manitoba (ANIM) receives funding to help Stimulate Foreign Trade and Investment Attraction

October 30, 2009

Manitoba will see long-term economic growth and competitiveness that will help increase opportunities for commercial trade, business immigration, and investments in local business thanks to more than $4.4 million in support from the Governments of Canada and Manitoba.

“Our Government recognizes the importance of building successful relationships with foreign companies and investing in initiatives that enhance international trade opportunities,” said Shelly Glover, Member of Parliament for Saint Boniface, on behalf the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.  “By funding initiatives that promote trade with international markets, we are enhancing foreign investment opportunities in Manitoba and ensuring that our province remains competitive in the international marketplace.”

“We support ANIM in its efforts to provide opportunities to Manitoba businesses in national and international francophone markets”, said Andrew Swan, Manitoba Minister of Competitiveness, Training and Trade. “Trade is important to Manitoba’s economy as it accounts for a significant percentage of Manitoba’s real gross domestic product and supports thousands of Manitoba jobs.”

L’Agence nationale et internationale du Manitoba (ANIM) provides services to expand the presence of Manitoba organizations and businesses in national and international francophone markets, and works with clients overseas to promote business investment opportunities in Manitoba.

More than $2.9 million in funding will assist ANIM with business trade and investment initiatives that focus on recruiting business immigrants and attracting new business investments in the province.

Additionally, more than $1.4 million will be invested towards Centrallia 2010, an international business-to-business forum to be held in Winnipeg October 20-22, 2010.  As the main business event for Manitoba Homecoming 2010, Centrallia will provide opportunities for professional meetings, business alliances, trade and investment. Over 500 business leaders from around the world will come together for Centrallia.

“In less than three years, ANIM has developed important partnerships in France and other countries in Europe, which has resulted in a solid base of business and economics minded people immigrating to Manitoba. This not only displays the tenacity of our organization, but also the value-added bilingualism brings to our province” said Mariette Mulaire, ANIM’s Executive Director.

The investment by the Governments of Canada and Manitoba is made through the Canada-Manitoba Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA).  Both Canada and Manitoba are contributing $25 million each, over four years, to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life in western Canadian communities.