Mission Statement
Explore BC – Safety and Security Trade Mission
Vancouver, Canada
November 18-19, 2004

Mission Description

The International Trade Administration of U.S. Department of Commerce, Commercial Service of the U.S. Consulates in Montreal and Vancouver are organizing “Explore B.C. Safety and Security Trade Mission” which will take place in Vancouver, November 18-19, 2004.   Participating U.S. companies that specialize in security and surveillance equipment will have the opportunity to meet Canadian government officials and private company representatives involved in the buying decisions for the 2010 Winter Olympics.   These companies will also benefit from a networking reception at the Consul General’s residence.

Commercial Setting

British Columbia (B.C.), Canada's western province, has a GDP that is larger than many countries - US $115 billion in 2002.   The current provincial government has embarked on an aggressive campaign to create a positive business environment.   In 2002, British Columbia imported over $13 billion of U.S. products, in addition to large imports of services. The expanding variety and volume of British Columbia imports from the U.S. provide business opportunities for American firms in virtually all sectors.   Its proximity to the U.S., especially to western states, allows for a comparative advantage regarding transportation costs and service support.

Over three billion dollars will be spent on facilities and infrastructure projects directly and indirectly related to the 2010 Winter Olympics, which will be held in British Columbia (Vancouver & Whistler).   The B.C. economy will experience strong growth as a result of preparations for the Olympic games, providing a variety of opportunities for U.S. exporters.  

Canadian government and private businesses are seeking to develop procurement partnerships with emerging U.S. security firms.   Advanced American security technology has allowed U.S. firms to offer products that are more efficient and effective relative to their counterparts in Canada.

Mission Goals

This trade mission’s goal is to maximize export opportunities for the participating U.S. companies in this vital sector by providing an inexpensive and, effective method of meeting Canadian government procurement officials, buyers and joint venture partners.

This mission is suited for U.S. companies that are interested in providing advanced security products and technology for the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and Whistler, as well as major infrastructure facilities such as the port and airport.

Mission Scenario.  

U.S. firms will have an opportunity to showcase their products to British Columbia companies and will be given several opportunities to interact with local company representatives at a networking breakfast, luncheon and reception. The tabletop exhibits will take place in a hotel meeting room reserved for that purpose.   U.S. firms will also have an opportunity to tour the Vancouver Port facility and be briefed on the port security needs.   They will then travel by bus to Whistler for a 2010 Olympics presentation and village tour outlining 2010 venue sites.

Timetable

Explore B.C. Safety and Security Trade Mission will take place on November 18-19, 2004.   The participants will arrive on their own schedule on Wednesday, November 17.   The event will start on November 18 at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel with a welcome by the Principal Commercial Officer and a briefing by Commercial Service staff on Canada’s security needs and market.   Participants will have tabletop area to display their products to participating Canadian local distributors, agents, multipliers and end users of security equipment.   A networking luncheon will be provided where Canadian government representatives involved in the 2010 Winter Olympics security team will discuss the security needs for the 2010 Winter Olympics.   Following the lunch, the exhibit hall will re-open and U.S. firms will continue with their tabletop exhibits.   The U.S. Consul General will host a networking reception at his residence at the end of the day, where U.S. firms can discuss opportunities with leading Canadian government officials and businesspeople.   Participants will be on their own for dinner.

Following a “no-host” breakfast the delegation and CS staff will board a bus to the Vancouver Port.   Port officials will provide a presentation on their current and future security needs.   Following this tour, the delegation and CS staff will board a bus for Whistler, British Columbia.   A brown bag lunch will be offered to the participants.   Upon arrival, Whistler staff will provide a walking tour of village and 2010 venue sites.   Staff will discuss security needs for this area.  

The deadline for receiving completed applications is October 15, 2004.   Applications received after the application deadline will be considered only if space and scheduling constraints permit.

Recruitment and Criteria for Participation

Commercial Service Montreal will recruit U.S. firms with assistance from the Export Assistance Centers.   Criteria for participation are as follows:

• Relevance of the company’s business line to mission goals
• Potential for business in the Canadian market
• Timely and adequate provision of company’s product/service information and literature
• Timeliness of company’s completed application, participation agreement and payment of participation fees.   Submission of the USD$1250 participation fee, the participation agreement and certifications.   The fee is for one participant per company.   Additional participants will be registered for USD$250. The fee does not include airfare, hotels, meals and other personal expenses.
• A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 20 companies participating in the mission
• Certification that the company meets U.S. Department of Commerce guidelines for participation, including certification that the company’s products and/or services are manufactured or produced in the United States.   If the company’s products and services are manufactured or produced outside the United States, the product/service must be marketed under the name of the U.S. firm and U.S. content representing at least 51% of the value of the finished goods or service

Recruitment will be conducted in an open and public manner, including publication in the Federal Register, posting on the Internet, press releases to the general and trade media.    Any partisan political activities of an application including polital contributions, will be entirely irrelevant to the selection process.

Contact Information

Connie Irrera
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service
Consulate General of the United States of America
P.O. Box 847
Champlain, New York 12919
Tel: (514) 398-9695, ext. 2262
Fax: (514) 398-0711
E-mail:   connie.irrera@mail.doc.gov

Cheryl Schell
Commercial Specialist
U.S. Consulate General
1095 W Pender Street
Vancouver, BC
V6E 2M6
Tel: 604-642-6679
Fax: 604-687-6095
E-mail:   cheryl.schell@mail.doc.gov