For new exporters, International Trade Canada has developed a computer evaluation package, entitled "Export Readiness Diagnostic" This web based program evaluates your responses to a series of questions on your business and your product. It helps you objectively identify your company's strengths and weaknesses and provides you with an assessment of your potential for success in export markets. An export readiness/evaluation program can be viewed at: http://www.exportdiagnostic.ca/

Exporting success requires knowledge and experience. The Export Development Branch's experienced International Marketing Consultants can increase your chances of export success through education and consultation. They can provide timely intelligence on market opportunities, market trends, foreign competition, cultural and economic issues. They can advise you on developing an effective marketing strategy and business plan in accessing a market opportunity.

If you are interested in more information or seeking country-specific export education, consultation or market information, select the region of interest to you and locate the appropriate International Marketing Consultant responsible for that country.

COBSC is the information gateway for Ontario business to access federal and provincial programs and services for business. They can help you find answers to your export business start-up, business growth, and exporting questions.

Tel: 416-775-3456 or 1-800-567-2345
Fax: 416-954-8597
Website http://www.cbsc.org/ontario
Export Source 1-888-811-1119
Info-FAX: 416-954-8555 or 1-800-240-4192
Website: http://www.exportsource.ca

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service maintains a worldwide network of offices to assist companies seeking export markets and is part of ITCan. The Trade Commissioner can make direct inquiries or conduct preliminary surveys regarding the potential market for any product. The Trade Commissioner can also assist you in setting up appointments with local business leaders, potential partners or agents, end users and government departments for your visit to the market. Some services that Trade Commissioners can provide can be found at: www.infoexport.gc.ca

Canadian business associations subscribe to foreign government publications and also receive copies of sector reports from the Canadian federal and provincial governments.

Some associations also offer trade development assistance for members.

Many of Ontario's associations are listed in a publication called The Directory of Associations, which is available at all major reference libraries.

The Ministry of Economic Development and Trade's Export Development Branch provides a list of major associations with export initiatives.

The international departments of major banks can provide information on financing and related documentation, credit information, and overseas banking contracts. Many banks have Home Pages on the Internet and can be easily located by using a number of common search engines available.

This bi-monthly publication provides market information, notice of upcoming trade promotion activities and listings of specific business opportunities:To subscribe free of charge, call CanadExport at: http://w01.international.gc.ca/canadaexport/

This database presents a matrix of country to country trade flows for 160 countries, 600 commodities and 300 industries. The data can be used to identify domestic and foreign market trends and to examine market shares in other countries.

Using Canadian data, Statistics Canada can also tailor a personal report under data variables such as: U.S. state of destination, quantity shipped, mode of transport, Harmonized System of Customs Classification (HS class), country origin/destination and value of commodity shipped.

The World Trade Database (WTD) is offered through Statistics Canada and incorporates United Nations' data to calculate market shares of any country in any market.The database outlines market shares in terms of geography, commodity and industry. Companies can find out more on how to use Statistics Canada's International Trade Databases by browsing the Statistics Canada home page at: http://www.statcan.ca/start.html

Trade Fairs are an excellent way to demonstrate your goods to a foreign market and to meet potential customers and agents from different countries. Information on important international Trade Fairs is available from Ministry of Economic Development and Trade's Export Development Branch.

Your industry or sector trade association will likely also have information on the main fairs in your industry. There are a number of sites on the Internet that list major global and domestic trade shows. Trade News is only one of a number of sites that may be useful in locating the most appropriate trade show. Visit the site at: www.tsnn.com

Note for Service Exporters: Service exporters need to contact a number of different sources, including the following:

The most comprehensive website for exporters of services.The "Service Export Cycle" takes you through the 12 essential steps from increasing your awareness about service exporting, to preparing the tools, to entering your first market and expanding into new world markets.

Website: www.exportsource.ca/gol/exportsource/site.nsf/en/es02487.html

The Internet is full of sites that can help you to determine where your best export opportunity is and how best to approach it. The list below are just a few of the numerous sites available:

Website: www.chamber.ca

Website: www.bankofcanada.ca

Website: www.bdc.ca

Website: www.canada411.ca

Website: www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca

Website: www.cra-arc.gc.ca

Website: www.ccc.ca

Website: www.cipo.ic.gc.ca

Website: www.cme-mec.ca

Website: www.infoexport.gc.ca

Website: www.ciffa.com

Website: www.cobsc.org

Website: www.bankofcanada.ca

Website: www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca

Website: www.europages.co.uk

Website: www.edc.ca

Website: exportsource.ca

Website: http://www.fac-aec.gc.ca/menu-en.asp

Website: canada.gc.ca

Website: www.infoexport.gc.ca/ifinet

Website: www.iboc.gc.ca

Website: www.canadabusiness.ca/ibp

Website: www.international.gc.ca

Website: www.onlinenewspapers.com

Website: www.oath.on.ca

Website: www.statcan.ca

Website: www.ic.gc.ca

Website: www.ic.gc.ca

Website: www.tsnn.com

Website: www.infobel.com

Website: www.state.gov

Website: www.worldbank.org

Website: www.wcoomd.org

The above web sites and content are provided as a public service, but we cannot guarantee that the information is current or accurate. Readers should verify the information before acting on it.

EDC makes medium long-term loans at both fixed and floating rates to foreign customers of Canadian capital goods and services. Funds are paid directly to Canadian suppliers on behalf of the borrower. These loans do not cover all payments risks to the exporter.
EDC will consider financing for periods of two to ten years on exports that provide significant benefit to Canada. EDC allows chartered banks and other financial institutions to provide part of the financing. This could include the down payment, the construction period of a project and local cost financing not normally provided by EDC. These may take the form of parallel loans, co-lending or participation.

EDC has extended lines of credit to a number of countries to assist Canadian exporters to bid on foreign projects. These lines encourage foreign countries to look seriously at Canadian technology and industrial capabilities. They also alert Canadian manufacturers and consultants to the enormous potential for capital goods in the recipient country.

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is Canada's official development aid agency. CIDA provides aid by channeling funds to the major multilateral development banks and by sourcing goods and services required by developing countries directly from Canadian firms.

The maintenance and development of Canadian technical skills and employment is a key consideration for CIDA because the agency directly channels a large portion of its financial assistance to the supply of Canadian goods and services.

CIDA supports a number of development programs, including the Multilateral Program, the Industrial Cooperation Program and National Initiatives Program.

CCC is a unique export sales agency, wholly owned by the Government of Canada, with a broad legislated mandate to assist in the development of trade between Canada and other nations.

CCC helps Canadian exporters win sales in government and private-sector markets around the world, through our unique government-backed guarantee of contract performance.

CCC provides Canadian exporters with a range of export sales and contracting services which enhance their access to market opportunities and significantly increases their ability to land export sales on improved terms.

CCC is an integral part of Team Canada Inc complementing the export financing and insurance activities of Export Development Corporation, as well as the market intelligence and promotional activities of ITCan and other federal departments and agencies.

Exports help Ontario prosper by creating permanent, high quality jobs. As the country's leading exporting province, accounting for approximately half of Canada's exports, Ontario's trade position faces a promising future. The Export Development Branch of the Investment and Trade Division of the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade helps firms grow, prosper and create jobs through international trade. Export success is a journey, not a destination and it takes more than luck to become globally successful. It requires commitment, hard work and patience.

Providing information on foreign markets and assisting Ontario suppliers of goods and services in developing their marketing strategies. Market penetration assistance or information on product or service entry strategies can include import/export statistics, market demographics, advice on doing business in that market, major tariff and nontariff barriers, import regulations, distribution channels, payment mechanisms, national holidays and travel suggestions.

Assisting small and medium sized suppliers evaluate their readiness and capability to export by reviewing fundamental principles such as: management commitment, communication capabilities, domestic market strength, production capacity, financial stability, potential product modifications, and a sound export business plan.

Introducing Ontario companies to key international contacts and buyers by facilitating their participation in major trade shows and missions. Key contacts may include potential buyers and partners, agents and distributors, government officials, association leaders and chambers of commerce. Outgoing missions may be lead by the Premier, Cabinet Ministers, and/or senior government officials. Incoming buyer missions give Ontario companies the opportunity to showcase their products and services, and meet buyers and senior foreign delegates.

The Community Export Development program can assist economic development organizations across the province in their efforts to help local businesses compete in global markets.

The Ontario Global Traders Awards celebrate outstanding exporting achievement by small and medium-sized enterprises. This annual award was created by the Government of Ontario and its partners in trade in recognition of the important contribution exporters make to Ontario's economy.

New Exporters to Border States (NEBS), delivered in partnership with International Trade Canada (ITCan), is a two-day practical program offered on site at a U.S. border point to introduce companies to the fundamentals of exporting. Participants learn about export pricing, customs procedures, selecting agents and distributors, warehousing and distribution, banking and legal issues, export financing and insurance, immigration issues and identifying new market opportunities.

In certain countries, the Export Development Branch has access to in-market International Trade Development Consultants that supply/generate business leads, make sales calls and provide market information. They do this by making corporate calls on key decision-makers at targeted companies in specific industrial sectors, attract new sales, promote exports and encourage trade with small and medium-sized enterprises in Ontario.

Export specific programs and seminars that focus on key topics of interest to exporters, and small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand and diversify their export base. The program incorporates local topics of interest and local partners, and provides an opportunity to build a global mind set among the export community throughout Ontario.

Export consultants can assist suppliers of capital goods and services to secure international capital project opportunities, facilitating the development of consortia, providing key contacts with financial institutions and providing commercial advocacy where government contacts are important.

Virtual Trade Missions (VTMs) give Ontario companies the ability to assess their potential to do business in new export markets by helping prepare for in-market activities such as upcoming trade shows and market development trips.VTMs use videoconferencing and Internet technology to connect small and medium-sized enterprises from Ontario with potential business partners, market experts and key government representatives worldwide. VTMs also complement other trade initiatives such as trade missions, trade shows and face-to-face international meetings.

To learn how your company can benefit from our expertise, call us toll-free in Ontario only at

There are a number of excellent federal government Internet sites to help you with your exporting requirements.

Strategis is Canada's largest business website, providing information on markets, trade and investment, industrial perspectives, technology and innovation, micro-economic research and analysis, managing your business, marketplace services.

Website: strategis.ic.gc.ca

ExportSource is Team Canada Trade Network's on-line resource for export information. ExportSource provides a single access point from all trade related government departments and agencies on subjects including:

• market research
• trade statistics
• export financing
• export contacts
• export regulations/logistics
• trade shows and missions

Website: exportsource.gc.ca

Website: canada.gc.ca

Foreign Affairs Canada (FAC) supports Canadians abroad, works towards a more peaceful, secure world and promotes our culture and values internationally.

Website: www.fac-aec.gc.ca/menu-en.asp

International Trade Canada (ITCan) supports the development of trade by providing services to exporters, developing policy, and by attracting investment in the Canadian economy.

Website: www.itcan-cican.gc.ca/menu-en.asp

Funding for Canadian Trade Associations that have a national mandate. Assistance is provided for generic international business development activities that benefit a particular industry sector. The association's proposed activities must be for the benefit of its members, relate to the generic export promotion of the sector's products or services, the improvement of market access or the development of market information/intelligence.

The Virtual Trade Commissioner Service is a computerized sourcing instrument for Canadian Trade Commissioners abroad. Through participation in the Virtual Trade Commissioners Trade database Canadian exporters and potential exporters can gain access to valuable trade leads by ensuring that Canada's Trade Commissioners have accurate, up-to-date information on their export capabilities, experience and interest.

To register for the Virtual Trade Commissioner Service contact:

CIDA administers Canada's development aid programs. CIDA relies on the Canadian private sector to implement most of its programs. Firms wishing to supply goods or services to the Canadian government for use overseas should contact each of the following:

CCC is a federal Crown Corporation that brings together the requirements of foreign governments and international agencies with the supply capabilities of Canadian suppliers of goods and services. CCC acts as the prime contractor with the client country and subcontracts for the required goods and services with Canadian firms.

CCC provides Canadian suppliers with access to bidding opportunities, assumes responsibility for the administration of contracts and as required, arranges shipment, inspection and acceptance. Contact:

Export Development Canada helps Canadian exporters compete in world markets by providing a wide range of financial services, including export credit insurance, sales financing and guarantees. EDC is a financially self-sustaining Crown corporation operating on commercial principles.

Ontario firms of any size can insure their exports against non-payment by foreign customers.

EDC normally assumes 90 per cent of the commercial and political risks, involving:

• insolvency
• default
• repudiation or cancellation of a contact by the customer
• conversion on transfer currency
• war or rebellion
• cancellation of export permits in Canada

EDC covers both the commercial and political risks inherent in export transactions. Almost any kind of transaction involving the export of goods, services or technology may be insured, provided the Canadian content is at least 50 per cent of the selling price.

To facilitate your banking arrangements, EDC will agree to pay any proceeds of a loss payable under your policy to a bank or any other financial institution.

If a bank or other financial institution will agree to purchase an insured foreign receivable from you on a limited recourse basis, EDC is prepared to agree to the assignment of your rights and obligations under the policy to the bank or financial institution. However, should a loss be occasioned by any factor within the exporter's control, the bank or financial institution may exercise recourse.

• Global Comprehensive Insurance provides coverage to the exporter against both commercial and political risks inherent in export sales made on short-term credit. An exporter is required to insure all export sales, except sales to the United States, inter-company sales and sales on letter of credit or cash-inadvance payment terms.
• Global Political Insurance provides coverage to the exporter against specified political risk inherent in export sales made on short-term credit. An exporter is required to insure all export sales except sales to the United States, intercompany sales and sales on letter of credit or cash-in-advance payment terms.
• Selective Political Insurance provides coverage to the exporter against specified political risks inherent in export sales made on short-term credit. An exporter may select the countries for which he wants coverage but all export sales to customers in the selected countries must be insured.
• Export Credit Insurance is similar to Global Comprehensive (GC) Insurance but designed for companies with less than $5 million total sales or less than $1 million in export sales. The application process has been streamlined and policy administration is simpler than under GC policy.

Visit the EDC website at www.edc.ca

The federal Government actively supports export activities by Canadian suppliers of goods and services through over 100 overseas offices. For a list of Canadian missions abroad and their services, contact: http://www.infoexport.gc.ca/ie-en/EServices.jsp

Canadian Trade Commissioners can:

• promote your company to local customers
• advise on marketing channels
• recommend participation in trade shows and other business events
• identify suitable foreign firms to act as agents
• help you find credit and business information on potential foreign partners
• give advice regarding problems with duties, taxes, foreign exchange, work permits
• advise on a country's current trade, business and financial environment and practices
• advise and assist you with foreign joint ventures and licensing

• Request information on the local market suppliers of your goods and services.
• Is there local manufacture or partial assembly?
• Are the goods and services presently imported? If so, from whom and which countries?
• What are the typical price levels and quality considerations in the market?

• Are there any restrictions on the import of items being suggested and if so, what?
• Are there codes and standards to be met?
• What restrictions, if any, are imposed on the customer paying in the hard currency?
• What local import duties, tariffs and other levies apply?
• Are there any special conditions in the market that may affect your selection criteria of a partner, agent or distributor?
• Are there legally-required withholds at source for professional fees paid to firms without a local office?

List the specific items with which you need assistance from the trade counselor, for example:

• setting up meetings
• looking for a local partner
• finance/currency review with banks and other advisors

When writing for the first time to the Canadian Embassy or Consulate in foreign markets, exporters should provide the following information:

• A brief profile of your company specifically indicating whether you are a service company, manufacturer, agent, etc. and approximate volume of business and number of employees.
• A description of your product (include your promotional materials) and supplement with details outlining specific features and selling points, trade names, prices, terms of payment etc.
• A description of the typical end user.
• Your experience in exporting and present export markets.
• How your products are distributed in Canada and other export markets.
• previous experience selling to the market under study, if there were previous partners or agents, any other business history in the market.
• Goods exporters should indicate their export price (CIF) to a major port in the target market and their payment terms.