Record Benefits
The 2019 results have reached record highs and are attributable in part to the following major mandates, which together resulted in economic benefits of $650M:
$358.4M | Foreign investments |
$144.47M | International recruitment |
$76.2M | High-tech entrepreneurship |
$38.21M | Cluster development |
$33.1M | Exports and commercialization |
This good performance was also reflected by the impressive number of international workers recruited, going from 1,107 in 2018 to 1,675 in 2019, for a total of 4,200 newcomers in the Québec City region. Moreover, promotional efforts have proved successful in terms of foreign direct investments, generating economic benefits of almost $360M and helping create or maintain 602 jobs.
These exceptional results extend to all of QI’s services, including the incubator and accelerator LE CAMP, which enabled around 60 businesses to generate over $76M in benefits. Exports and innovation grew by almost 90% over three years, with businesses reporting $33.1M in real and potential sales in 2019, compared to $17.6M in 2017. Many other initiatives helped support various projects in the region’s key industries.
Major Projects
The year 2019 also led to the completion of several major projects, including remodelling the brand image of the Capitale-Nationale’s key clusters, setting up services at the Québec City Industrial Expertise Centre and the Techno-Tandem acceleration and development space, and implementing the agency’s new Strategic Planning 2020-2022.
Highlights:
- $650.37M in economic benefits
- 1,675 international workers recruited (for a total of 4,200 newcomers)
- 12 awards and distinctions for the area and the agency
- 96 economic and promotional publications
- 70 international missions and missions during international events held in the province of Quebec
- 129 delegations and investors hosted
- 390 events and activities
- 10,674 participants in our initiatives
- 1,048 businesses and institutions served
All these projects and achievements showcase the diversity of QI’s interventions and implication in fostering a dynamic and prosperous economic development. QI wishes to thank the members of its board of directors, its partners as well as each and every employee for their continued dedication and engagement.
“Economic strength and regional SME growth are our top priorities. For this reason, I would like to acknowledge the results achieved by Québec International over the past year. More than ever, we are present for Quebec’s entrepreneurs and industries. We will continue to work with QI to offer support and foster development over the coming months.”
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Member of Parliament for Ahuntsic-Cartierville, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for CED
“Once again, the Capitale-Nationale region shone thanks to its proactivity and openness on the world. I would like to salute Québec International for all work that they accomplish each day to attract foreign investments and generate revenue in our region. Their creativity knows no bounds, and this greatly benefits our region’s economic development and community. It is clear that our local entrepreneurs know how to innovate, collaborate and stay up to date with what is done abroad in order to better themselves.”
Geneviève Guilbault, Deputy Premier, Minister of Public Security and Minister responsible for the Capitale-Nationale region
“With such an outstanding performance in 2019, Québec International demonstrates once again its major contribution to the Québec City region’s economic success. Since the launch of the Vision entrepreneuriale 2023, almost $20.6M have been invested in 171 projects. This good performance is largely due to QI’s leadership role in the region’s entrepreneurial network.”
Régis Labeaume, Mayor, Québec City
“Québec International is a proactive organization that is attuned to the needs of the region’s businesses. Last year’s results demonstrate the organization’s exceptional contribution to the region’s economy, supported by its major backers and an increasing number of partnerships among the different local, regional and national stakeholders.”
Andy Sheldon, President of the Board of Directors, Québec International
“In 2019, Québec International showed agility and engagement, taking full advantage of its team’s participation and creativity, which resulted in a good performance across all aspects of the organization. In 2020, our focus will be on strengthening relationships and showcasing solidarity and efficiency to help businesses carry out their innovative projects to stimulate the region’s economic upturn and growth. Québec International is proud to help promote the value and success of local businesses.”
Carl Viel, President and CEO, Québec International
To download a digital copy of the 2019 Annual Activity Report from Québec International’s Website, please click here. You can also view our video highlights by following this link.
