Plastics Knowledge Centre: Working to your Advantage

www.edc.ca/plastpack

Since the launch of the Plastics & Packaging Knowledge Centre at Plastimagen 2002 in Mexico, this web-based tool has facilitated promotion of the Canadian plastics and packaging sector abroad. The Knowledge Centre, housed on Export Development Canada’s (EDC) web site, was developed in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and Industry Canada.

The Knowledge Centre — through its searchable database of Canadian plastics and packaging companies — makes it easier for foreign buyers to consider Canadian machinery and equipment suppliers. In fall 2002, EDC participated in bank financing for some key international buyers for this sector, namely Bavaria S.A. Columbia, Femsa Empaques Mexico and Constar USA. By so doing, EDC encourages these buyers to consider Canadian suppliers listed in EDC and its partners’ databases.

The Knowledge Centre has also helped increase awareness of Canadian capabilities in the plastics industry. As a result, EDC and its partners have recently brought to Canada key decision makers from Bavaria and Grupo FEMSA subsidiaries to meet Canadian companies in the plastics and other sectors. We expect new opportunities to result from these meetings and we aim to engage Constar in a similar activity.

Some plastics exporters have included links on their websites to EDC’s Knowledge Centre, listed above, so that buyers interested in financing can see their options, and exporters’ agents and sales forces can use it as a selling tool. EDC works closely with Northstar Trade Finance, iTrade and other financial firms to best serve this sector and its foreign clients. We welcome your ideas and suggestions on helping the Canadian plastics sector grow internationally.

Marie-Claude Erian is a Senior Business Development Advisor at EDC, responsible for the plastics & packaging machinery and equipment sector.