INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS
Canada : A Friendly Neighbor That Means Business for NJ
Canada is the Garden State ’ s No . 1 customer .
By Diane C . Walsh Contributing Editor
Canada buys more than $ 11 billion worth of goods and services every year from the Garden State and thus is New Jersey ’ s No . 1 customer .
The trade bonanza works in reverse too with New Jersey importing more than $ 8 billion in goods from our neighbor to the north .
The robust relationship is a testament to the 200-year-old commitment Canada and the entire United States enjoy as friends , neighbors , partners and allies .
Did you know that every day nearly $ 2 billion worth of goods and services cross the Canada-U . S . border safely and securely ? Khawar Nasim , Acting Consul General at the Consulate General of Canada in New York , emphasized the thriving trade when he recently spoke with Commerce .
“ Even when the pandemic forced us all to restrict access to our countries , our countries worked in lock-step to ensure the continued flow of those goods and services ,” Nasim noted . “ From trade in life-saving goods such as food and medical supplies , to our integrated energy market , to the movement of healthcare and critical infrastructure workers , we kept things moving .”
The vast majority of Canadian imports are raw materials , parts and components used in U . S . manufacturing plants . Nasim also described his country as “ the largest , most secure , reliable and competitive supplier of energy to the United States , including crude and refined petroleum products , natural gas , hydropower and uranium .” He said 20 percent of the oil consumed in the United States is derived from Canada , supplied through one of the more than 70 pipelines .
Many New Jersey-based companies , like Catalent , Johnson & Johnson , and Campbell ’ s Soup , understand the importance of the Canadian market and the role that integrated supply chains play in helping companies flourish . “ They also recognize that Canada is an attractive and exciting investment destination , one that allows them to expand their operations . Why ? Because Canada is committed to trade and innovation ,” Nasim said .
The Consul General stressed that companies that invest in his country gain preferential market access to 51 countries with nearly 1.5 billion consumers through 14 trade agreements .
Canada ’ s highly educated workforce also makes it very attractive for investment . Much of this success stems from the universities , which nurture domestic talent and attract diverse foreign talent through strong immigration programs . A Global Skills Strategy is used by Canada , which allows employers to bring in talent quickly . Within two weeks a company can bring on board its needed talent . Nasim said his country also brings together federal , provincial , and city partners to provide tailored , confidential and coordinated support for any expansion project .
Nasim said he and his colleagues are ready to help companies every step of the way . “ We are your one-stop shop for your company for all things Canada .” A range of complimentary services are offered , including :
“ They also recognize that Canada is an attractive and exciting investment destination , one that allows them to expand their operations . Why ? Because Canada is committed to trade and innovation .”
◾ Helping you develop a business case for investing in Canada ;
◾ Referring you to tax , legal , employment and immigration experts ;
◾ Working with you to access government incentives and tax credits ;
◾ Introducing you to Canadian provincial and municipal partners and the Canadian business community ;
◾ Assisting you in finding a site for your company ’ s Canadian operations ;
◾ Helping you build your Canadian workforce .
Nasim was quick to note that his office ’ s goal is not simply to have U . S . companies invest in Canada , but to also have Canadian companies expand and thrive in New Jersey and elsewhere . This work is primarily done by the consulate ’ s international business section , a team of 16 operating from offices in New York City , Buffalo , Pittsburgh and Philadelphia .
Acting Consul General at the Consulate General of Canada in New York , Khawar Nasim
The team is part of Canada ’ s Trade Commissioner Service — a global network of more than 1,000 trade professionals in 161 cities around the globe , operating in Canadian embassies or consulates . Sixteen of these offices are situated in the United States . Together , they work seamlessly to grow bilateral business .
He said Canadian companies like Bausch , CGI , Bombardier , TD Bank , Nova Chemicals , Cascades and Lululemon have already invested in the Garden State . Some 297 Canadian-owned businesses employ more than 20,000 workers in New Jersey .
For Canada , the United States is the “ market of markets ,” Nasim maintained . He said “ it will always be our most important partner across the board .”
Canada exports more to the five-state territory covered by the consulate ( Connecticut , New Jersey , New York , Pennsylvania and Delaware ) than to the entire European Union . The U . S . - Mexico-Canada Agreement which has been in force since July 1 , 2020 established the “ gold standard ” for a free trade agreement and brings important benefits for exporters on all three sides of the border among the three countries .
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June 2022 COMMERCE 21