Virtual Rail Trade Mission to Canada

UK railway suppliers are invited to join the UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) in Canada and the Railway Industry Association (RIA) Virtual Rail Trade Mission to Canada on 1-12 February 2021.

Participants will have the opportunity to apply for virtual meetings with key players within the Canadian rail sector. Currently, VIA Rail, AECOM, Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), PNR, Herzog have confirmed their participation with others to be confirmed.

From Ontario to Alberta, and Quebec to British Columbia, the Canadian Federal Government and its provinces are investing heavily in transportation and infrastructure, in order to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population whilst further enhancing economic prosperity, and decreasing Canada’s large ‘infrastructure deficit’ a result partly of years of under-spending by governments. Through the Investing in Canada Plan, the Federal Government has committed over C$180 billion worth of infrastructure projects over the next 12 years.

The primary focus of the Virtual Rail Trade Mission to Canada will be on metro rail systems – highlighting new and expanded projects across the country that are planned to take place over the decades. DIT research of planned and announced projects estimates total CAPEX in the range of C$83 billion (approx. £48.7 billion). Underpinning these projects are opportunities stemming from strong demand for innovation in overhead electrification, systems design and integration, testing and commissioning, power and control systems, specialised asset management services, and vehicle restoration and rehabilitation.

The mission will take place over a period of two weeks. Week one is open to all and will consist of info-sessions that will provide delegates with in-depth information on projects and opportunities, and market entry advice.

Additionally, there will be presentations from confirmed Canadian stakeholder participants who will highlight their specific capability demands and what they are looking for in a new supplier. An in-market UK organisation will also present on their experiences of doing business in Canada.

During week two, UK companies will be preselected by Canadian stakeholders in advance, for pre-arranged, one-to-one meetings about future collaboration and potential opportunities.

Draft programme.

Please note: Because of the time difference in Canada (-5 to -7 hours GMT), programme activities will be held from 2 pm GMT onwards and are not all-day events, with the expectation the programme will take place in the UK afternoon. Exact timings and programme to be confirmed.

Register now.