Canadian Trade Commissioner Service - Newfoundland and Labrador
Sector Snapshots
Ocean Technologies
Ocean Technologies is a priority sector for our trade office in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Around the world demand for ocean technologies is expanding. The sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is innovative, highly international and growing fast.
Technologies to observe ocean conditions are in demand to:
- track climate change trends
- predict natural disasters
- monitor marine environmental conditions for fisheries habitat and stock
- management
There is demand for new technologies to explore oil and gas resources in deep and often harsh ocean environments. The threat of terrorism has lead to increased demand for maritime security and surveillance technologies. Because most of the world’s exports are transported by ships, there is sustained demand for improved onboard technologies for increased safety and efficiency of ship operations.
The trade office in St. John’s can provide information and contacts to help sell products and services, or find a R&D or investment partner around the world.
International Financial Institutions (IFI)
IFI is a priority sector for our trade office in Newfoundland and Labrador.
IFI, also referred to as Multinational Development Banks, continue to offer business opportunities for Canadian companies as these banks lend investment capital to poorer countries for sustainable development projects in infrastructure and social improvement.
Canadian service and supply, construction and consulting companies may approach a development bank (lender) or a developing country’s executing agency (borrower) at various times during a project’s lifecycle to market their expertise and capabilities; from project planning and conception to implementation and evaluation
Opportunities exist at all phases of a development project. NL companies have successfully won contracts at all major IFIs as lead contractors, sub-contractors and as consultants. While the IFI market can be rewarding, winning a contract often takes from 2-7 years, so be prepared to develop a long term business strategy for these markets.
Environmental Industries
Environmental Industries is a priority sector for our trade office in Newfoundland and Labrador.
World-wide demand for environmental products and services is expected to reach between 800 billion and 1 trillion dollars by 2010. Most of this will come from developed countries. As the underdeveloped economies of the world expand, their demand for environmental products and services will also increase.
Canadian expertise is generally in the areas of:
- environmental consulting environmental engineering
- waste management
- water supply and purification
- wastewater treatment technologies
Canadians are recognized internationally for:
- innovative water treatment methods
- clean energy technologies
- geographic information systems
- environmental management systems
Newfoundland and Labrador companies are recognized for expertise in:
- oil spill contingency planning
- oil spill response
- marine environmental services
- remediation
For the many small companies in Newfoundland and Labrador there are opportunities in niche markets requiring specialized expertise.
Information and Communications Technologies (ICT)
Information, Communications Technology is a priority sector for our trade office in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The Information, Communications Technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador is growing more vibrant and diversified. It is also highly productive and internationally competitive in many areas:
- mobile and fixed remote communications
- multi-network mobile satellite service
- high speed outbound digital satellite links
- Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
- defence, environmental and maritime surveillance/monitoring
- digital nautical charts and electronic marine navigation applications
- marine communications
- telemedicine and distance education
- comprehensive cellular data solutions
- remote sensing/remote data acquisition systems
World wide demand is growing for products and services in many of these areas and others, especially video gaming, generating new international business opportunities for Newfoundland and Labrador companies.