2006-2007 Annual Report: Program for Export Market Development (PEMD)

Introduction

Since 1971, the Program for Export Market Development (PEMD) has been a vital component of the Government of Canada's international business development strategy. PEMD's mandate is to assist smaller companies that are either new to exporting or are expanding to new markets. This assistance is now solely available through national sector-wide trade associations. The direct-to-companies element, known as PEMD-Industry, was closed in 2004. Small and medium enterprises, however, continue to receive assistance through the Virtual Trade Commissioner, through the Department's regional offices in each of Canada's provinces and through more than 140 embassies and consulates abroad.

PEMD-Associations provides results-focused assistance on a cost-shared basis to Canadian, sectoral, trade associations that have a national mandate. These contributions made by PEMD to trade associations are non-repayable and are disbursed to associations after activities are completed. Throughout the year, associations utilize a rigorous self-evaluation structure to assess the effectiveness of their PEMD-supported initiatives.

When applying for funding, associations must identify specific performance indicators for each of their planned activities as well as projected key results for the overall contribution. In order to submit a claim for reimbursement on a package of activities, associations must report against the performance indicators they chose for each activity in the package. When an association completes its final package of activities for the year it must also submit a final report (called "results" report) comparing the anticipated key results and benefits to the actual results. The Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade uses these reports each year to evaluate the effectiveness of PEMD-Associations as well as the performance of an individual association. Performance is an essential element in the evaluation of PEMD applications in years to come.

PEMD is managed by the SME Support and Services Division, Innovation and Partnership Bureau. This Bureau is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.