Royal Bank has launched a portal for Canada’s small and medium-sized import and export businesses.
The International Business Centre provides information and services, fuelling one of the hottest segments of Canada’s economy.
The site provides educational and networking opportunities for new and seasoned traders. Key features include an interactive tour of a “Trade Basics” section, which educates users on international trade transactions, and a “Gateway to International Trade” user resource section.
“In focus groups during the development process, exporters and importers said an online resource would be invaluable,” said Paul Smith, Royal Bank’s vice-president for International Trade.
There are more than 2 million small and medium-sized enterprises in Canada, making up one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. An estimated 15 per cent of these companies are engaged in export activities.
Links include government sources such as the Export Development Corp., Canadian Trade Commissioners abroad, Industry Canada’s Strategis, and commercial sites.