What can the U.S. Consulate General in Montreal do for you?

The Consulate works with U.S. companies to support them in establishing and expanding their presence in the Quebec market. We can provide practical advice, market intelligence, and introduce you to useful contacts. The Consulate is a valuable resource in understanding the specific legislation and economic climate in Quebec.

Commercial specialists can help you identify trade opportunities, find Canadian trading partners, launch your company and obtain market research reports. The Commercial Service also provides extensive information on major trade shows in Montreal.

Quebec is one of the largest provinces in Canada and is a prime center for U.S. businesses. The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) between the United States, Canada and Mexico has reduced trade barriers and established trade rules. The Montreal and Quebec economy, within this context, has developed expertise in various fields like aerospace, multimedia and information technologies, natural resources, clean technologies, energy, the pharmaceutical industry, logistics and transport, finance, and biotechnologies.

Beyond the Border

The Beyond the Border initiative outlines a vision for perimeter security and economic competitiveness whereby the United States and Canada work in partnerships within, at, and away from our borders to achieve enhanced security and accelerate the legitimate flow of people, goods, and services between our two countries. For the latest information, please visit this page on the U.S. Embassy Ottawa website.

Resources

The Government of Quebec’s portrait of the provincial economy provides information on the region’s economic conditions and relevant ministries and government agencies.

The American Chamber of Commerce in Canada, Quebec Chapter serves as a first point of contact for U.S. and Canadian companies wishing to conduct business across the border and can provide a wide range of network contacts and resources in Quebec and Canada.

The Department of State Office of Commercial and Business Affairs (CBA) plays a major role in coordinating trade and investment matters to support U.S. firms doing business overseas.

Invest Quebec has a team of experts on hand to assist businesses thinking of locating to or investing in Quebec. Businesses can benefit from Invest Quebec’s in-depth knowledge of the area, contacts with strategic business and governmental partners and help with financing.

Montreal International (MI) was created in 1996 to stimulate Montreal’s international economy. MI works to attract and retain foreign investments and international organizations in the Greater Montreal Area. Industry experts offer businesses strategic and operational advice, financial and tax programs, international mobility services, industry advice, economic data, and network access.

Montreal Industrial Clusters

Montreal has established geographic concentrations of interconnected companies and institutions in a particular industry, called clusters. These clusters are a valuable resource in collaborating with suppliers, manufacturers, and academic institutions.

• Aéro Montréal brings together over 215 firms and other stakeholders in the aerospace industry. This sector is one of the most important in Montreal.
• Montreal InVivo is a cluster of more than 620 establishments and 41,000 employees in life sciences and health technologies, making Montréal one of the top ten North American cities in the sector.
• TechnoMontreal represents 120,000 employees working in approximately 5,000 businesses and organizations and Montreal is ranked 3rd in North America for job density in the Information and Communications Technology (ICT) sector.
• Écotech Québec supports entrepreneurs in accelerating the design, development, adoption, commercialization and export of clean technologies and green economies. The cluster represents over 650 companies and 30,000 employees.
• ActionMTL is the audiovisual cluster of Montreal. It consists of about 500 businesses and 35,000 employees. Its mission is to support the development of the audiovisual industry through development projects by mobilizing industry players with common goals. It is part of the Quebec Film and Television Council.
• Finance Montreal represents more than 100,000 people who work in more than 3,000 businesses. Their main goal is to help structure the region’s financial sector and to increase its international competitiveness.
• CargoM has 35 businesses, associations and educational institutions as partners and represents a sector that includes 62,000 jobs and 4,000 establishments. Founded in 2012, its mission is to bring together all players in logistics and freight transport in the Montreal region.