Team Canada Trade Missions

Team Canada Trade Missions (TCTM) offer Canadian businesses direct access to strategic markets, valuable insights, and high-impact network opportunities. They are led by federal ministers or senior officials such as Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and are delivered by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS). 

TCTMs vary in size and industry focus, but they share one goal: helping you succeed in international markets. They are designed to:

• open doors abroad and help you respond to local opportunities
• connect you with key decision makers
• help you foster partnerships
• create pathways for growth in priority industries worldwide

TCTMs are designed to help you navigate your export journey and build lasting international partnerships.

You may benefit from:

• connections with local businesses and government decision-makers
• insights and market intelligence on opportunities and challenges, including cultural considerations
• networking opportunities with Canadian officials, peers and the local business community
• increased visibility and profile in the market
• awareness building of Canada as a trade partner and investment destination of choice
• on-the-ground support and exposure to Canada’s wider trade organizations, including:
  • Canadian Commercial Corporation (CCC)
  • Export Development Canada (EDC)
  • provincial and territorial partners
  • the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)

Trade missions are most effective when they align with your company's goals and stage of growth. Participating in a large, minister-led delegation can raise your company's visibility and help establish your presence in the target market. 

While these missions offer broad exposure and networking opportunities, their size and scope may limit the level of tailored support available for businesses at different growth stages. To determine whether a trade mission is the right fit for your company, consider the following:

• Have I researched the market and identified concrete opportunities?
• Does the format of the TCTM and program align with my business objectives?
• Do I have the human and financial resources to respond to potential new demand?

Reaching out to the TCS regional office responsible for your province or territory can help you evaluate whether a particular TCTM may support your international growth strategy. Each TCTM’s webpage is also a useful resource for details on eligibility and areas of focus.

TCTMs are typically 1 week long. They involve visiting 1 or more countries (or cities), with an average of 2 days spent in each location. The business program is curated to align with the focus of the mission and is based on the make-up of the organizations that are accepted to the Canadian delegation.

Participants learn about doing business in the host market(s), gaining exposure to the local business culture through:

• unique networking opportunities
• on-site business briefings by:
  • Trade Commissioners
  • senior officials
  • key local stakeholders
• market overviews and/or roundtables with local industry and experts
• site visits (if applicable)
• business-to-business (B2B) meetings 

Visit the Trade events and training page to view current opportunities by region, industry, and date. Visit the dedicated page for the trade mission you are interested in to see if it aligns with your international growth goals.  

Check the general eligibility requirements as well as specific criteria on the dedicated TCTM page.

Each TCTM has an online application and an extensive vetting process. Deadlines vary, so apply early to be considered for the delegation.

Organizations that are accepted will receive:

• pre-mission briefings and market intelligence
• logistical information on travel, accommodations and programming

During the mission, you’ll take part in programming such as:

• market and sector briefings
• business-to-business (B2B) meetings
• networking events and site visits

The trade mission is just the beginning of your export journey. Keep the momentum going by following up with contacts, nurturing relationships, and exploring the opportunities uncovered during your visit. Stay connected with the trade commissioners you met. They can support your next steps and help you grow in the region.

We accept applicants from:

• export-ready Canadian companies of all sizes, including exporters from diverse backgrounds, with strong potential to address opportunities in the target market(s) and generate tangible business outcomes
• provinces and territories, municipalities and other Canadian organizations, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce, looking to expand their reach and engagement in the target market(s)

Participants are responsible for covering all related travel costs, including airfare, accommodations, ground transportation and meals not included in the business program.

Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) accepted to participate in a TCTM may be eligible to apply for funding through the CanExport GAC-Led Delegations program, which helps Canadian SMEs looking to diversify their export markets.

The Government of Canada, as well as individual provincial and territorial governments, also offer export financing and other programs that help Canadian businesses expand internationally. Please consult the Business Benefits Finder to find programs and services suitable to your needs.

Before applying, check the program’s webpage for:

• available funding
• application deadlines
• eligibility criteria

TCTMs are one of many initiatives to help exporters succeed abroad. Learn about upcoming events, trade missions, and our other export initiatives:

• Connect with our network of  Trade Commissioners in Canada and around the world. They can recommend trade missions or other export initiatives based on your international business objectives.
• Join the TCS  Facebook,  LinkedIn, and  X groups.
• Sign up for MyTCS.
• Bookmark the Trade events and training webpage.

• Expert tips for trade missions (VIDEO)
• Funding and financing for international business
• Business Benefits Finder
• Upcoming trade missions

For more information about trade missions, contact the Team Canada Trade Missions Team at  trade.missions@international.gc.ca or the Trade Commissioner Service.