Quebec puts big on Japan

It is its version of the great seduction. However, The new general delegate of Quebec in Japan. Therefore, Mario Girard, recently managed a full week of cultural, commercial and ministerial activities in the third largest Quebec export market.

This offensive is part of a broader strategy for market diversification. Similarly, a priority axis for a few months for Investissement Québec.

I often tell them: we are like eight million people, surrounded by 400 million English speakers. Meanwhile, A bit like you, the Japanese, we are proud of our traditions, our culture, our language. Consequently, We also have this in common. Nevertheless, Generally, they like this storylance Mario Girard.

The great Japanese seduction was played around the Quebec National Day. In addition, during the week of June 23 to 28, while the delegation was able to have access to quebec puts big japan the Canada Pavilion at the Osaka Universal Exhibition.

An activity on the life sciences and artificial intelligence was notably organized with the Mila (Quebec Institute of Artificial Intelligence). In this context. a Montreal researcher presented her work on the aging of the population, a common challenge for Quebec and Japan where 29.3 % of the population is over 65.

I can tell you one thing. it was a big, big, big weeksaid Mario Girard with a huge smile.

Quebec gastronomy has also been honored. among others with the Sommelier François Chartier, who fascinated the Japanese with his weddings between Quebec products such as maple syrup and sake.

Quebec artists like Pierre Lapointe and Steve Barakatt were also invited to perform.

It has been three months ago that I am in Japan. I think there is not a day when I do not wonder why I did not come to my. life as an entrepreneur earlier in Japan. It is really a market that is interesting to developsupports the Beauceron which was CEO from the Port of Quebec quebec puts big japan for 14 years. from 2011 to 2025.

Quebec puts big japan

A high potential market

In parallel with the activities in Osaka. the Minister of International Relations and La Francophonie for Quebec, Martine Biron, met representatives of the Japanese culture ministries, foreign affairs in addition to the government of Tokyo Metropolitan.

Dozens of Quebec companies have also participated in commercial missions in Kyoto. Osaka and Tokyo on the themes of energy and digital innovation.

We get along really well with the Japanese. It is a question of coming, to introduce yourself. They are very receptive to what can be given. For example, they seek a lot in terms of innovationsspecifies Mario Girard.

There are many business opportunities for a province seeking to diversify its commercial ties. to deepen its links with the land of the rising sun with a population of 124 million inhabitants.

The opportunities range from innovation in artificial. quantum, semiconductive, aeronautical intelligence to the critical mineral sector, where Japan is already the second foreign investor of Indo-Pacific in Quebec.

Japan is also the second Quebec agro -food export market, especially for seafood and pork.

Cultural support for companies

The new general delegate of Quebec in Japan wants to focus on supporting businesses in a market that may seem complex for them due to cultural differences. the language barrier.

Training and seminars have already been set up to help Quebec companies understand the Japanese business world.

The recipe, we know it. We support them, companies, then there, it is not true that it is complicated. We are able to help them enter the markethe assures.

The Quebec City-Tard company withdrawn its acquisition of acquisition this week Seven & ithe parent company of Japanese convenience stores 7-Eleven.

A large majority of Japanese opposed this takeover of the chain perceived as national pride. a symbol of Japanese business success and an essential part of Japanese life.