$1.2m deal '˜shows strength of Canadian market'

Canada is a growing market for Northern Ireland businesses, particularly for machinery, transport and equipment exports Invest NI CEO Alastair Hamilton has claimed.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Sep 2018, 19:13 BST
Updated 27th Sep 2018, 21:31 BST
Mr Hamilton, left, with Dana Dickerson of the Canadian Department for International Trade and Kevin McGurgan, British Consul General in TorontoMr Hamilton, left, with Dana Dickerson of the Canadian Department for International Trade and Kevin McGurgan, British Consul General in Toronto
Mr Hamilton, left, with Dana Dickerson of the Canadian Department for International Trade and Kevin McGurgan, British Consul General in Toronto

Speaking during a visit to North America, he said a recent $2.1 million deal agreed between Belfast based firm Sensoteq and Canadian distributor, Eurotech proved there were opportunities to be taken.

The two year contract to provide its wireless machine health monitoring systems was secured following Sensoteq’s attendance at last year’s Waste and Recycling Expo in Niagara Falls, Ontario, supported by Invest NI.

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“We have seen huge business opportunities for Sensoteq in Canada,” said CEO Idir Boudaoud.

“We have visited the market multiple times to build on the initial contacts made at last year’s Expo and we continue to strengthen our business relationships.

“Our contract with distributor Eurotech is of huge importance to the future growth of the business and we are very optimistic about our growth in this market.”

Invest NI’s Toronto office, which opened last year, is proving a valuable source of guidance and knowledge to help businesses explore and secure new export opportunities.

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Invest Northern Ireland is currently hosting a trade mission to Canada and CEO Alastair Hamilton joined the eight local businesses in Toronto.

“Canada is a key target market for ambitious Northern Ireland companies,” he said.

“The latest HMRC figures show that exports to Canada over the last four years have grown 33% and are currently valued at £471 million, demonstrating the valuable business opportunities which exist here. Companies like Sensoteq demonstrate the great export opportunities Canada offers to our local companies.

“Focus on the Canadian market is paying dividends for Northern Ireland companies and we look forward to more success in this market.”

Related topics:Invest NINorthern IrelandBelfast