Minister Paradis Promotes Canada at International ICT Expo in Hong Kong

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - April 12, 2013) - Tomorrow, the Honourable Christian Paradis, Minister of Industry, will attend the International ICT Expo in Hong Kong to promote Canada as a producer of world-leading information and communications technologies (ICT) and will highlight the strong fundamentals that make Canada a leading digital economy.

"Our stable financial system, low taxes, business-friendly environment and innovative, well-educated and multicultural workforce make Canada a premier place to do business," said Minister Paradis. "Canada is a global leader in information and communications technologies, and through Economic Action Plan 2013, our government continues to support the creation of high-quality jobs with investments in education, training, and basic and applied research."

Canada is home to a quarter of North America's fastest-growing wireless companies and six ICT regional clusters. According to the latest figures, the sector is composed of 33,300 firms that contribute $67.5 billion to our GDP (4.4% of national GDP), have $155 billion in revenue and employ more than 520,000 people, representing 3.0% of national employment. In 2012, the ICT sector performed 33% of all private sector research and development (R&D). Canada is a world leader in wireless telecommunications equipment, mobile and gaming software development, and business analytics.

"Canada is already a global ICT leader," added the Minister. "We are at the forefront of innovation, and we intend to remain there. That is why our government increased direct support for business R&D and made significant investments in venture capital."

Minister Paradis, along with the Honourable Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, will be joined by Canadian companies and representatives from the provincial governments of Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec on a visit to the Canada Pavilion at the International ICT Expo. Minister Paradis will speak at the Consider Canada City Alliance's Hong Kong investment opportunities breakfast on Monday, April 15, which will be attended by Canadian and international ICT companies.