July 2005

Louis Brun has recently joined Austrade Canada to direct development in the technology market. His experience in the electronics distribution, software development and implementation of CRM, eCommerce modules for large utilities corporations and governmental users (Domtar, Canada Revenue Agency, Treasury Board of Quebec), coupled with experience as an officer in the Canadian Armed Forces ideally positions him to help Australian companies explore the Canadian defence and technology market. Recent governmental initiatives (at the Federal, Provincial and Municipal levels) have asked that the industry provide solutions. Many Canadian corporations are seeking partnerships to be able to quickly respond to tenders.

In addition, Louis has been responsible for new product development and market development for healthcare companies such as Ciba Geigy, Ciba Vision and Pharmascience. His experience in sourcing new ideas and launching them across Canada has allowed him to gain knowledge on the healthcare industry. In particular, the natural remedies sector presents a strong and steady growth for several years. In addition, a recent Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between the TGA and the Canadian equivalent NHPD allow for a quick market entry for Australian companies. Most of all, Quebec and Ontario are the largest consumer markets for natural healthcare and beauty products. Both markets combined represent over $8 billion in natural products, with a 7 per cent growth.

He is based out of Montreal, Quebec – in the French-speaking province of Canada. Quebec is renown as a commercial centre and generates over 25 per cent of all commercial activity across Canada. Many global mulitinationals are headquartered in Montreal. Quebec's core strength lie in the aerospace, transport and pharmaceutical sectors. Companies such as Bombardier, Sanofi Aventis, CAE, ADACEL, GSK can be found in Montreal. In addition, Montreal is also well known for its gastronomy and that 70 per cent of its population speak French although business is mostly conducted in English.

Many companies have elected to establish themselves in Montreal for the following reasons:

• Access to large research facilities; many universities such as McGill have developed "think-tanks" and other research facilities in collaboration with companies as earlier mentioned.
• Location; Montreal allows for quick access into Ontario and the rest of Canada, as well as to USA and Europe. In particular, the Boston, New York markets which are long standing natural trade partners.
• Attractive financial and taxation offers from the Quebec government and the City of Montreal; 60 per cent of all research is reimbursable, many grants exist for high-tech firms.