A common problem experienced by Canadian exporters is the inability to finance foreign expansion, be it due to internal risk tolerances or inability to access funds.  Many companies wrongly see foreign expansion as an absolute requirement for their future wellbeing.  Foreign expansion isn't for everyone - there are many cases of Canadian manufacturing companies (including in the automotive industry) who can economically ship parts/components/tooling to far flung markets.

 That said, if a company is interested in foreign expansion, there are a growing number of resources available to help.  Companies can count on varying levels of assistance from their banks (as some banks have subsidiaries/joint ventures in foreign markets), from various level of governments (many of whom who have staff in market), and also from Crown corporations (both EDC and BDC).  Programs exist within these groups to support attendance of trade shows, participation in matchmaking missions, financing of operations (be it buildings, capital equipment, or working capital), and risk management (insuring against non-payment on receivables, or against various political risks).

Disclaimer:

The views expressed here are those of the author, and not necessarily of Export Development Canada

 Les vues exprimées dans ce propos sont celles de l'auteur. Elles ne reflètent pas nécessairement le point de vue d'EDC.