Actualité

Economic mission to Canada - First day

An economic mission to Canada, headed by HRH the Crown Prince and led by Mr Franz Fayot, Minister of the Economy, is currently taking place in Toronto and Montreal from 20 to 24 June 2022. The mission includes a large Luxembourg business delegation of about a hundred companies from various sectors of activity with a strong interest in the Canadian market.

Context of the mission

While the mission focuses more specifically on economic collaboration in the digital and technological sectors with a concern for integrating environmental issues, the Canada-Luxembourg partnership takes place in a complex international context that highlights the common values shared by both countries as democracies, inclusive and cosmopolitan societies and open economies. This relationship is also rooted in the history of the Grand Ducal Family, which had found shelter in Quebec during the Second World War:

This relationship is also rooted in the history of the Grand Ducal Family, which had found shelter in Quebec during the Second World War:

I have personally a deep respect and a sincere gratitude towards the Canadian culture of welcome, not the least because it offered shelter to my family during the darkest hours of our contemporary history.

Luxembourg-Ontario Business Forum

Ontario's Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Mrs. Maud Murray, opened the Luxembourg-Ontario Business Forum connecting Luxembourg and Ontario companies, Canada's economically heavy weight province. The seminars highlighted the opportunities specific to each market, with a potential for new cooperation and innovation. The organisation of working groups allowed for productive exchanges on current topics such as cybersecurity, health technologies or fintech.

Le Prince prononce un discours lors d'un forum en Ontario
© Doug Nicholson Images

In his speech, the Prince recalled the central role of innovation in the development of the Canada-Luxembourg relationship as well as its role in the future of our society.

Innovation should ultimately stimulate our economy and serve the needs of our citizens. Creativity gives us a leading edge to protect our values and to help our planet.
Le Prince et le ministre avec Madame Maud Murray
© Doug Nicholson Images

Left to right.: Mr Franz Fayot, Minister of the Economy, Ms Maud Murray, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, HRH the Crown Prince

Audience with the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario

HRH the Crown Prince and Mr Fayot had lunch with Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The discussions centered on the political, economic and social situation. A particular focus was put on the international situation and the management of the crisis in Ukraine, given that Canada is home to one of the largest Ukrainian diasporas in the world.

Images courtesy of the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

Prince Willem discusses with the Lieutenant Governor © Doug Nicholson Images
The Crown Prince and the Minister greet the Lieutenant Governor © Doug Nicholson Images
The Prince Guillaume signs the guestbook © Doug Nicholson Images
 

Digital Media Zone (DMZ) event

The event, organised by Startup Luxembourg and the Canadian incubator DMZ, presented the start-up environment of Toronto and Luxembourg through six pitches of young innovative and internationally oriented companies from Ontario and Luxembourg.

The Grand Duchy was represented by the tech start-ups A352 (a data aggregator software for the financial sector), Passbolt (an open source password manager) and No Big Deal (a recruitment platform for tech profiles).

Le Prince, tout sourire, lors de l'événement DMZ
© Doug Nicholson Images

The Crown Prince was happy to see the creativity of the younger generation of entrepreneurs being encouraged by incubators. Toronto provides great potential as one of the most important tech hubs in North America. Prince Guillaume particularly welcomed the relations between the University of Luxembourg and the universities of Toronto.

Luxembourg and Canada already cooperate in the field of higher education and research, but we can do much more.
Mr Snobar speaks to guests at the DMZ event © Doug Nicholson Images
The Prince, the Minister and Mr Snobar in front of a DMZ panel © Doug Nicholson Images

Left to Right : Mr Franz Fayot, Minister of Economy, HRH Prince Guillaume, Mr Abdullah Snobar, Executive Director "DMZ

At the DMZ event, The Prince gives a speech to the guests © Doug Nicholson Images
The Prince and the Minister discuss with Mr Snobar © Doug Nicholson Images
 

Networking reception in Toronto

To conclude the first day, the economic delegation met with a hundred representatives of Ontario companies at a networking reception aimed at facilitating exchanges and strengthening the economic ties between Canada and Luxembourg.

Le Prince, accompagné du ministre Fayot et de Monsieur Thelen
© Doug Nicholson Images

HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke is seen here with Mr Franz Fayot, Minister for the Economy and Mr Carlo Thelen, Director General, Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce

During the reception, His Royal Highness highlighted the friendship between the two countries and the common values inherent in this relationship:

Luxembourg and Canada are more than just Allies bound by NATO and the multilateral system, more than just business partners. Notwithstanding the gap between us in size of territory and population and despite the geographical distance, we are like-minded partners driven by core values.
Le Prince prononce son discours lors de la soirée networking
© Doug Nicholson Images
The Prince, along with Minister Fayot and Mr. Thelen
© Doug Nicholson Images