(Tim Kiladze — Globe & Mail)
Report contradicts other countries’ analyses of impact on trade
Canadian trade missions designed to bolster business relationships and increase bilateral trade don’t do their job, according to a new report by the University of British Columbia.
The study, the first of its kind in Canada, contradicts other countries’ analyses. Two of those reports found that short international visits by French, American and German heads of state increased exports by 6 to 10 per cent, as did setting up the first consulate in a new country.
Canada’s highly publicized trips don’t appear to have the same effect. “If following the mission there’s no increase in trade, how can we say there are any benefits?” asked Keith Head, professor at UBC’s Sauder School of Business, who co-chaired the study with John Ries. Read more here.
