According to the 2015-2016 American Cities of the Future rankings compiled by UK-based fDi Magazine, which is published by the Financial Times Group, Quebec City placed in the Top 10 in two categories (Business Friendliness and Best fDi Strategy). A total of 421 cities in the Americas were evaluated by fDi Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times, and divided into five groups based on population size. Quebec City is in the mid-sized cities group, which includes urban areas with populations of more than 200,000 inhabitants and metropolitan regions with more than 750,000 inhabitants.
Quebec City ranks #3 for business friendliness
For the second time in two years, Quebec City made it into the Top 10 in this category. Business-friendly cities are those in which it is relatively easy to start up and operate a company. Related criteria include the presence of strong knowledge-based industries, the number of foreign investment projects and their economic benefits, tax policy and the number of days required to start up a business. Quebec City’s third-place finish in this category demonstrates that regional efforts to create a dynamic and welcoming entrepreneurial ecosystem are paying off.
Quebec City ranks #3 for best fDi strategy
This qualitative category recognizes strategies aimed at promoting and attracting foreign investment. Initiatives designed to provide investors with information on a city’s competitive advantages and information quality/quantity are considered, along with incentives for investors, the presence of major development infrastructure/projects and the overall vision for fully optimizing a city’s potential attractiveness.
“This dual recognition testifies to the favourable business environment and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit that has characterized the Québec City region for many years and confirms the ability of our network to attract direct foreign investments” said Carl Viel, President and CEO of Québec International.
About Québec International
Québec International contributes to the economic development of the Quebec City metropolitan region and promotes its international profile. As a regional economic development agency, Québec International fosters business growth and development, supports clusters of excellence, and attracts talent and investment to the region. For more information, visit www.quebecinternational.ca
