Third CUSMA SME Dialogue
Date: May 15 to May 16, 2024
Venue: To be confirmed
Location: Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Target Audience: Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), academia, chambers of commerce, non-governmental organization, and industry associations and specialists.
Sector: Aerospace, Agriculture and processed foods, Arts and cultural industries, Automotive, Chemicals, Clean technologies, Consumer products, Defence and security, Financial and insurance services, Fish and seafood, Forestry and wood products, Industrial machinery, Information and communications technologies, Infrastructure, Life sciences, Mining, Ocean technologies, Oil and gas, Professional services, Tourism, Transportation, Wine, beer and spirits
Event description
Canada will host the third Annual CUSMA SME Dialogue in 2024. A commitment under the Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) Chapter of the Canada-United States-Mexico-Agreement (CUSMA), the dialogue aims to bring together approximately 175 SME stakeholders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico to discuss matters that seek to increase the competitiveness of SMEs under CUSMA. It is also an opportunity for SMEs to provide views on any matter related to the Agreement.
Dates: Wednesday, May 15 2024 to Thursday, May 16, 2024.
Location: Montréal, Québec
Networking Reception: May 15, 18:00 to 21:00
Program (in development): May 16, 9:00 to 17:00
- Plenary discussions and workshops on themes including a first plenary on SMEs in value chains and a second plenary in inclusive trade in North America. The workshops will focus on Customs and Regulatory Procedures, Intellectual Property Rights Protection, Access to SME Financing and Government Support in Leveraging CUSMA and Trade in E-Commerce.
- Networking opportunities with SMEs and stakeholders from Canada, the United States and Mexico
Who is eligible to participate
We welcome Canadian small and medium-sized companies and organizations from across the country, including exporters from diverse backgrounds and industries, and with the potential to address business opportunities in the U.S. and Mexican markets and generate tangible business outcomes. We will, however, primarily welcome those who are already doing business in these markets and secondly those who are export-ready. We also welcome SME stakeholders such as provinces and territories, municipalities, and other Canadian organizations, such as trade associations and chambers of commerce, looking to expand their reach and engagement in these markets.
Travel arrangements and expenses:
Event participation is free; however, participants are responsible for reserving and funding their own travel arrangements, including all air and/or ground transportation, and to make their own accommodation reservations.
Air Canada is pleased to offer a discount code for participating SMEs travelling to Montreal between May 7–23 (discount rates will vary). To access the discount, selected delegates must book through the Air Canada official website. The code will be shared with selected participants to the Dialogue at a later date.
Important: Global Affairs Canada strongly recommends that all delegates purchase travel insurance.
Key Contacts
Questions? Please reach out to Global Affairs Canada's FTA Promotion Team: cusma-aceumdialogue@international.gc.ca
Register to attend
- Registration deadline: May 1, 2024, 17:00 E.T.
Why your organization should participate
- Develop a first-hand understanding of the opportunities and challenges of doing business in foreign markets
- Gain insights and market intelligence
- Increase visibility of your product or service
- Meet key commercial entities, industry players, and potential buyers, investors and/or partners
- Participate in networking events
- Receive on-the-ground assistance from the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Trade Commissioner(s) involvement
Activities organized by the Trade Commissioner Service
- Networking event
- Seminar
