Mission includes visits to Montreal and Ottawa in May
ST. LOUIS (April 25, 2024) — World Trade Center (WTC) St. Louis is hosting a trade mission to Montreal, Quebec. Trade mission delegates will join City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones and St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page on this international business opportunity that will include the inaugural non-stop flight between Montreal and St. Louis on May 2 on Air Canada. This new direct service will allow for ease of travel, increased tourism and business connectivity between the two cities.
Mission participants will join organized meetings with Canadian business, government and civic leaders. The agenda will also include market briefings from local experts, cultural and networking events, plus a visit to Canada’s capital city Ottawa.
“I’m excited for the potential to increase trade between Canada and St. Louis,” said Mayor Jones. “Developing new international relationships is essential to the continued economic growth of St. Louis City and the rest of our region.”
“I look forward to building on our relationship with Canada to expand and recruit new business opportunities in St. Louis County,” said County Executive Dr. Page. “The region is already home to several Canadian companies, and this trade mission will help us grow our relationship with our neighbors to the north.”
17 Canadian companies have locations in St. Louis, including Bausch & Lomb, Colliers International and Save-A-Lot, among others. According to a study from Missouri Partnership, Missouri imported $7.5 billion worth of products from Canada in 2022 with gas and oil being a majority of the imports. Missouri exports to Canada totaled $5.6 billion in 2022 where transportation equipment and chemicals delivered most of the total.
“With Canada being the St. Louis region’s largest trade and investment market, it is critical to our economy,” said Tim Nowak, executive director at WTC. “A trade mission like this is crucial to establish valuable relationships and bring new business to our area.”
“Boeing is pleased to be part of the World Trade Center St. Louis trade mission and proud of its 105-year history of partnership in Canada,” said Jeff Hurst, director of International Strategic Partnerships at The Boeing Company and trade mission delegate. “We have a significant presence in Canada, with operations spanning 15 sites in seven provinces, employing nearly 2,000 people. Canada serves as one of Boeing’s major international supply bases.”
The trade mission will take place May 2-6.
