PHOENIX
07-27-2004, 06:29 PM
Florida, Quebec to boost economic ties
Canadian Press
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
MONTREAL - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Quebec Premier Jean Charest signed an agreement Tuesday to promote greater economic and tourism ties between the two trading partners.
Investment in Florida presents a great opportunity for Quebec, which relies on exports to drive its economy, Charest said during a news conference.
"What is of interest to us is how the state of Florida and Miami in particular have become a ramp, a launching pad for those businesses that are interested not only in the United States, but also in Latin America.''
With its high-quality labour force, inexpensive health and energy costs, and plentiful research centres, Quebec is also an important entry into Canada for American businesses, Charest said.
Bush arrived in Montreal on Tuesday for the start of a three-day trade mission to Canada. He is joined by about 100 business leaders who are meeting with counterparts in Montreal and on Thursday in Ottawa.
He made a similar trade mission last year to Ontario.
While Ontario and Quebec have about the same levels of investment in the southern state, the brother of the U.S. president said the personal links are strongest with Quebec.
"The route from Montreal to Miami is one that has much greater volume,'' he said. "We just appreciate that.''
Tourism remains the state's leading industry.
"And because of tourism, we've created a good business climate that allows us to diversify. So part of my job is to say thank-you to people that want to come to visit us.''
The elected leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement between McGill University and the University of Miami to enhance joint ventures, grant opportunities, and faculty and student exchanges.
Canadian Press
Tuesday, July 27, 2004
MONTREAL - Florida Gov. Jeb Bush and Quebec Premier Jean Charest signed an agreement Tuesday to promote greater economic and tourism ties between the two trading partners.
Investment in Florida presents a great opportunity for Quebec, which relies on exports to drive its economy, Charest said during a news conference.
"What is of interest to us is how the state of Florida and Miami in particular have become a ramp, a launching pad for those businesses that are interested not only in the United States, but also in Latin America.''
With its high-quality labour force, inexpensive health and energy costs, and plentiful research centres, Quebec is also an important entry into Canada for American businesses, Charest said.
Bush arrived in Montreal on Tuesday for the start of a three-day trade mission to Canada. He is joined by about 100 business leaders who are meeting with counterparts in Montreal and on Thursday in Ottawa.
He made a similar trade mission last year to Ontario.
While Ontario and Quebec have about the same levels of investment in the southern state, the brother of the U.S. president said the personal links are strongest with Quebec.
"The route from Montreal to Miami is one that has much greater volume,'' he said. "We just appreciate that.''
Tourism remains the state's leading industry.
"And because of tourism, we've created a good business climate that allows us to diversify. So part of my job is to say thank-you to people that want to come to visit us.''
The elected leaders also witnessed the signing of an agreement between McGill University and the University of Miami to enhance joint ventures, grant opportunities, and faculty and student exchanges.