Canada's rich and vast natural resources have greatly contributed to expanding its national economy. However, with the surge in knowledge-based industries, innovations in key technology sectors, and a dramatic rise in high-tech exports, Canada now offers investors like you unlimited growth potential.

If you dream of starting your own business, it is easier to start a business in Canada than in any other G8 nation. With over $465 billion of annual foreign direct investments, generous tax incentives and flourishing R & D, Canada offers the most favourable environment for making your business vision come true.

As the fastest growing and most competitive member of the G8, Canada benefits from strong international ties to Europe, Asia and the United States. Thanks to its strategic location and the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), Canada gives business people like you access to markets in the United States and Mexico with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of over US$11.4 trillion.

Thanks to strategic locations on the west coast, a successful Asian community, and the port of Vancouver, Canada has unique access to Asia-Pacific markets which promise long-term potential.

The Middle Eastern community in Canada is growing every year. To help all Canadian companies who want to do business internationally - including emerging Middle East markets - the Canada Trade Commissioner Service has offices located in 12 cities across the country, as well as 140 offices worldwide, to find new markets abroad and identify key contacts.

Furthermore, the province of Québec is conveniently located near the United States border, with the city of Montréal a mere 90-minute drive from the beginning of major U.S. markets. The Port of Montréal, as well as two international airports, also ensure that merchandise can be quickly moved to European markets.

Not only does Canada offer the ideal environment for starting or investing in a new business, but it also offers the infrastructure and location to help international business people create strong relationships with major world markets.

Canada's competitive position vis-à-vis the G8 has improved substantially in the past 10 years as the skills and productivity of Canadian workers have risen while labor costs have dropped. As a result, Canada continues to record the lowest operating costs among the world’s 11 major economies.