Québec at a glance
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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