Québec at a glance

Dynamic and diverse

A strategic location between Europe and the Americas, Québec offers an abundance and variety of natural resources, highly skilled, multilingual workers, a vibrant cultural community and an exceptionally high quality of life. Add to this Québec’s steadfast commitment to R&D, and you have one of the country’s most innovative economies known for its high technology industries and green energy initiatives.

Business environment

• GDP of CDN$301 billion in 2008, 60% generated by the service sector
• GDP per person: 18th in the OECD, comparable to Germany and Italy
• Tax rates on business profits among the lowest in North America
• Tax incentives and labour force assistance and training programs ($2.5 billion annually)
• Exports account for 33% of GDP, with 72% of international exports shipped to the U.S.
• Access to NAFTA market of over 440 million consumers
• A market of 130 million consumers within a 600-mile radius
• Within a 600-mile radius of Boston, New York, Washington and Detroit
• Number-one exporter of newsprint, second largest magnesium producer and fourth largest aluminum producer in the world
• The St. Lawrence Seaway offers easy access to the industrial heart of North America