International Trade and Investment

If you want to export goods and services to international markets, we can help you do it right. We can provide advice and resources, and help connect you with the right people. Our network also expands to other federal departments, provincial governments and important industry players. We can also help attract foreign investments.

How we can help

To give you the best chance of success in global markets, ACOA can help you:

• boost your business growth through exports
• access global markets
• develop the skills you need to succeed
• expand or improve your marketing strategy
• prepare and carry out your export plan
• take part in trade missions

Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy

To help you grow your exports and boost foreign direct investments, we are proud to carry out the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Strategy (ATIGS).

ATIGS was launched in 2017, and updated in 2022, through collaboration between the Government of Canada and the 4 Atlantic Provinces. Its purpose is to help you find export markets, create jobs and strengthen the economy. By working on strategic market development plans, ATIGS can help you increase sales abroad.

What does that mean for you, your company and your community? Through these investments, the partnership will:

• increase the number of Atlantic firms engaging in international business activity
• increase your capacity to strategically enter new international markets, and to sustain or increase activity in those markets
• strengthen the region's capacity to attract foreign direct investment

To support this strategy, the partners have also signed the Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement (ATIGA). ACOA is investing up to $14 million and the 4 Atlantic provinces are providing up to $6 million from 2022 to 2027.

Our partners in export development

There are several Government of Canada departments and agencies that can help you do business internationally.

Global Affairs Canada (GAC) – Find information on exporting your products and services abroad, as well as on permits and restrictions, and take advantage of international trade agreements to gain preferred access to foreign markets.

Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) – Connect with a network of in-market trade experts that can help your business reach new markets and grow.

Export Development Canada (EDC) – Seize international business opportunities thanks to financial services, insurance and bonding products.

Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) – It supports entrepreneurs in all industries and at all stages of development. Reach out when your business is ready to find its next market.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – The CBSA helps Canadian companies comply with national policies, processes, procedures, regulations and legislation when importing and exporting commercial goods.

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) – The CFIA is dedicated to safeguarding food, animals and plants, which enhances the health and well-being of Canada's people, environment and economy.

The partners will engage other federal and provincial departments and organizations in the development and implementation of specific initiatives in support of this strategy.

Looking to invest in Atlantic Canada?

Atlantic Canada Certified Sites – This networks helps investors find immediate access to property information. It’s the only network of pre-qualified, high-quality sites across Atlantic Canada.

Atlantic Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon

Regional Joint Cooperation Commission between Atlantic Canada and Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon – Supports the growth of partnerships between Atlantic Canada Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon