Message from Ambassadors

Invest in Canada
Ian Burney
Canadian Ambassador to JapanOn behalf of the Government of Canada, it is a greathonour for me to contribute to the Japan Institute forOverseas Investment’s magazine as a new Special
Member of your distinguished organization. I am
particularly pleased to do so on a topic that represents
such a positive growth story between our two countries:
investment. Today, more than ever, Japanese companies
are seeing the benefits of investing in Canada. Japanese
investment into Canada has more than doubled overthe past five years reaching C$29.1 billion in 2016, ourlargest source of foreign direct investment (FDI) fromAsia. And the trend is continuing with significant newinvestment projects in 2017, notably in the automotive,
aerospace and digital media sectors.

economy is anchored by a diversified resource base,leading-edge innovation clusters, competitive businesscosts and offers a corporate tax environment that is
one of the most competitive in the G20. Global
investors looking for a politically stable yet innovative
home for their new and expanding businesses havefound the answer in Canada.

But what makes Canada such an attractive destination
for Japanese investment? The answer is simple:
Stability + Innovation= Profitability.

Canada is the easiest place in the G7 to start a business.
According to the World Bank Group, it takes 1.5 days
to establish a business in Canada, while the OECDaverage entails 8.2 days.

Canada is committed to supporting FDI and has
implemented a number of initiatives to support foreign
investors, including the establishment of the Invest in
Canada Hub, an agency designed to help foreign
investors by providing seamless concierge service
across all levels of government.

A Welcoming Business Environment
Unparalleled Market Access
Canada’s economy is one of the most dynamic in theworld, displaying consistent and sustained growth andoutperforming our G7 peers. In addition, Canada’s202018.1

Canada is one of the only major economies withpreferential access to both the U.S. and EU markets.

Ian Burney arrived in Japan as Ambassador of Canada in early September 2016, andpresented his credentials to the Emperor on the 21st of that month. He has had a 30-year
career in the Public Service of Canada, most recently as Assistant Secretary to theCabinet for Economic and Regional Development at the Privy Council Office. The bulkof his career has been with the foreign affairs department, now known as Global Affairs
Canada. In Ottawa, he occupied a variety of positions in the US, Asia and tradebranches, including serving as Assistant Deputy Minister for Trade Policy andNegotiations, and as Assistant Deputy Minister for International Business Development,Investment and Innovation. Abroad, he has served in diplomatic assignments inBangkok, Thailand, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Through its network of Free Trade Agreements,
including the North American Free Trade Agreement
and the Canada-European Union Comprehensive
Economic and Trade Agreement, Canada has direct
and privileged access to nearly 1.2 billion of theworld’s consumers and a combined GDP of $US41
trillion, representing 55% of global output in goods
and services.

Innovative Industries
Canada has traditionally been viewed as having a richand diverse environment and a wealth of naturalresources. This is certainly correct; however, Canada
is also a leader in science, technology and innovation,with strong capabilities across a wide range of sectors
including aerospace, automotive, life sciences, ICT,
artificial intelligence, robotics and agrifood. Inaddition, Canada offers one of the most favourable
packages of R&D tax incentives among the majorindustrialized countries.

In addition, the Government of Canada’s new Global
Skills Strategy gives companies a faster and morepredictable process for attracting top talent and newskills to Canada. This includes a processing time of
only two weeks for 80% of work permit applications.

Quality of Life
Canada is an open society with vibrant, diverse cities
and a quality of life that is envied around the world.
Canada consistently tops the global ranking lists ofreputable organizations for its high quality of life - andfor good reason. These rankings speak to theenvironment that Canada offers to global executives,
their employees, and their families - one that fosters
personal security, life satisfaction and access to worldclass services. The result is that investors can basetheir business in a stable and prosperous nation thatvalues a high standard of living and offers an
unparalleled life experience.

Conclusion
Companies established in Canada have access to $2billion in funding programs offered through theGovernment’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year
strategy that supports the growth of Canadiancompanies by encouraging the public and private
sectors to collaborate in bringing more early-stage
research to market. Additional investments are also
being made to bolster emerging industries such as
artificial intelligence and big-data analytics.

Highly Skilled, Diverse Workforce
Canada’s economy is supported by its highly educated,mobile and multicultural workforce, trained in ourworld-class education system. In fact, Canada has themost educated talent pool in the OECD with over 55%
of the population aged 25-64 having a tertiary level
education.

Canada is open for business and welcomes Japanese
investment!
My team of trade commissioners at the Embassy inTokyo, Consulate in Nagoya and trade offices in
Osaka, Kitakyushu and Sapporo are ready to assist
you growing and expanding your business in Canada.
The signs for success point north to Canada!
Contact us atJAPANCommerce@international.gc.ca
and visit our website:
http://www.international.gc.ca/investors-investisseurs/index.aspx?lang=eng

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