Born in 2002 from a desire to reduce the number of organizations on the territory of the Communauté métropolitaine de Québec, to better coordinate efforts and to increase the effectiveness of regional economic development interventions, the Agency is the result of the merger of four development organizations: the GATIQ, the Cité de l’Optique, Émergence Entrepreneur and the Société de promotion économique du Québec métropolitain (SPEQM). Having known itself as CODEM (Corporation de développement économique métropolitaine) on a transitional basis, the Agency named itself PÔLE Québec Chaudière-Appalaches between April 2003 and September 2010. In September 2010, the Agency adopted the name Québec International. The name change was part of a strategic repositioning that followed a broad reflection aimed at clarifying its mission, mandates and business lines. Thus, the organization’s mission has refocused on two axes: to support companies to achieve a competitive position on the international scene and to attract investment and talent from abroad. Now, Québec International’s mission is to support the Québec City region’s economic development and national and international standing. Our team works every day with many partners and stakeholders from around the world to support entrepreneurs, professionals and investors. We are used to removing obstacles and providing guidance for growth, every step of the way! The vision of the organization is to unify the Québec City region’s economic development, facilitate business growth and accelerate business successes in Quebec, Canada and abroad. To achieve our mission, our agency focuses its priorities and actions around a few main axes that also define our mandates :
• Attracting and retaining international workers and students
• Attracting foreign investments and international entrepreneurs
• Supporting exports, commercialization and innovation
• Fostering high-tech entrepreneurship
• Fostering the development of key clusters
• Promoting the region’s business environment
Québec International can count on the support of early partners including Quebec City and the governments of Quebec and Canada. In addition, the organization also enters into agreements with private partners and international organizations.