Government Of Canada Meets With Spanish Industry

January 10, 2008

MADRID, Spain - The Honourable Christian Paradis, Secretary of State for Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Mégantic-L'Érable, met with Spanish business leaders today to discuss and promote agricultural investment opportunities in Canada and in Quebec’s Saint-Hyacinthe region.

“Canadian companies and institutions have long-established business relationships in Europe, and I am pleased to work to further advance those connections,” said Secretary of State Paradis. “I was pleased to invite our Spanish partners to discover Canada’s vibrant environment for business, investment and scientific talent.”

Initial reaction from some investors in attendance was positive as today’s event provided a platform for Spanish business people to discuss their issues with the Secretary of State and other experts.

One of the Spanish companies present, Cascajales, is presently exploring the possibility of establishing a specialty foods factory in Saint-Hyacinthe. The group visited Saint-Hyacinthe in October 2007 and is very interested in building stronger ties in the region.

“We have a shared interest and that is a good starting point,” said Mr. Alfonso Jimenez, President of Industria Gastronomica Cascajares. “The Canadian reception has been very warm to our efforts to expand our business in the global market. We look forward to doing business together.”

In addition to meetings with Spanish investors, the Secretary of State will also explore opportunities to strengthen science and innovation linkages between our countries.