Learn insights about the United Kingdom market and about how the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and Export Development Canada can help you expand your business there. Our speakers will provide information on how you can get advice, financial support, connections to potential buyers, and access to business leads in that country.

The U.K. is Canada’s largest customer in Europe, and third single market export destination worldwide. It is also Canada’s second largest source of foreign direct investment in the world, and a key science and technology partner as well. The King’s visit to Canada at the end of May is a powerful reminder of the ties that bind us together—both historic and economic—, and a reflection of the strong friendship and of the deep-seated trust that exists between our people. We share not only a common history, culture and language, but the U.K. and Canada are also members of the G7, G20 and, of course, the Commonwealth. And thanks to the Canada-UK Continuity Agreement following Brexit, over 99% of our bilateral trade is exempt for tariffs.

In the current geopolitical environment, the U.K stands as a stable and reliable trading partner for Nova Scotian businesses. Don’t miss this chance to explore what opportunities await across the pond and how you can take advantage of them.

Presenters

Tarek Al-Owaishi, Senior Relationship Manager, Export Development Canada
Tarek is a Senior Relationship Manager at Export Development Canada. Export Development Canada is Canada’s export credit agency and a member of the Government of Canada’s international trade portfolio, with offices and representations across Canada and around the world. Based in Nova Scotia, Tarek works with Canadian companies across all industries with the primary focus of supporting them respond to international business opportunities. Tarek & team do this by equipping Canadian companies with the tools they need to grow their business, whether that be trade knowledge, connections, and financial solutions, including loans, equity, and insurance. With a Master of Business Administration degree, and a background in Commercial Banking, Tarek draws from a breadth of experience to problem solve and assist companies to meet their goals and objectives.

Claudio Ramirez, First Secretary (Trade), High Commission of Canada to the U.K
Claudio Ramirez is the First Secretary (Trade) at the High Commission of Canada to the U.K. and Manager of the Canadian Technology Accelerator in London. Prior to assuming this role in September 2022, he was Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy to Colombia and Deputy Director, South America, at Global Affairs Canada. Previous foreign assignments include Abu Dhabi (UAE), Miami (USA), and Caracas (Venezuela). Before joining the Canadian Foreign Service in 2001, Claudio held diplomatic posts with the World Health Organization in Lima, Peru, and in Washington DC, United States. Claudio holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Montreal, a master’s in international relations from the University of Amsterdam, and a post-graduate degree in Public Health and Human Rights from Harvard University.

Charles Gaudet, Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada (Atlantic Region)
With 15 years of service at Global Affairs Canada, Charles joined the department in 2007 as a Trade Commissioner for the ICT and Advanced Manufacturing sectors, as well as a senior liaison officer, for the province of New Brunswick. Charles began his career with the New Brunswick Department of Economic Development and Tourism. Over the years, he has worked in economic and business development roles for organizations such as the Business Development Bank of Canada, Export Development Canada, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Invest NB and Opportunities NB. A native of New Brunswick, Charles was educated in the Greater Moncton area, and is a graduate of the Université de Moncton. Moncton area and is a graduate of the Université de Moncton. Charles enjoys volunteering with the local sports associations, due to his three very active 15-year-old boys