Toronto, Ontario, September 9, 2020—As Canada’s only bilateral free trade agreement partner in the Asia Pacific and a key gateway to the region with strategic access to regional and global value chains, the Republic of Korea (South Korea) represents a unique growth opportunity for Canadian small business owners and women entrepreneurs, particularly as Canada seeks to diversify and expand trade opportunities as part of its economic recovery from COVID-19.
The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), in partnership with the Government of Canada, is pleased to announce the official launch of Canada’s First Women-only Virtual Business Mission to the Republic of Korea (South Korea) on November 3-4, 2020.
“The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s virtual trade mission with South Korea will help more Canadian women entrepreneurs grow competitively in the global marketplace, as we work to rebuild an inclusive national economy,” said The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. “Our government will support women-owned and led businesses, now and on the road to economic recovery.”
Watch the live launch event with Minister Mary Ng and mission delegates.
The two-day virtual conference follows the success of APF Canada’s first women-only business mission to Japan in April 2019. It will feature South Korean and Canadian leaders from business, government, and technology, as well as company pitch sessions by delegates to showcase women-led Canadian innovation.
The mission’s focus is on promoting women entrepreneurs in STEM sectors that provide care services, products, and solutions to support the care and lifestyles of children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
“Supporting women entrepreneurs expand into Asian markets will help our collective efforts to reboot Canada’s economy,” said APF Canada’s Christine Nakamura, Vice-President, Toronto Office, and Mission lead. “Because the Canada-Korea FTA gives our businesses an edge over our competitors, South Korea is an excellent entry point into Asia’s growth markets.”
Pre-mission training sessions – scheduled for late September and October ahead of the mission, and open to non-delegates – will feature a series of webinars on curated topics, including: market entry strategies, current market conditions, available government supports for exporters, international trade law and the legal framework in South Korea, and an overview of Korean business culture.
Key Links:
• South Korea Business Mission Webpage
• Women’s Business Missions News and Notifications
• South Korea Business Mission Application Form
Inquiries:
A.W. Lee, Program Manager,
Diversity and Inclusive Growth Strategy for Women Entrepreneurs in the Asia Pacific,
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
a.w.lee@asiapacific.ca
