Rita Dionne-Marsolais, Quebec's new Minister for Industry and
Trade, discusses her department's wide-ranging role in today's global business
environment
You have a wide-ranging portfolio. In what ways do the
various aspects of your job complement each other?
My portfolio's mission covers the whole of Quebec's economic development.
That includes industry and trade - including external trade, science, technology
and tourism. All these different components must be integrated in development
strategies. Every economic decision in today's knowledge-based economy must
enhance the overall competitiveness of Quebec's economy.
What are your policy priorities in coming months?
Considering the continuing globalisation of the world economy, the government's
priorities are two-fold: first, to balance the state budget; and second,
to sustain economic growth. Hence, our policy priorities are: to focus industrial
development strategies to increase the competitiveness of our industry;
and to maintain our policies on more free trade between us and our partners
in Canada, as well as in the Americas, Asia and Europe.
What part will your ministry play in balancing the state budget?
Our government is a strong supporter of private enterprise and free trade.
My department will concentrate on creating favourable conditions to encourage
private sector growth and strong employment. We will gradually reduce and
finally eliminate direct financial aid to corporations, though our commitment
to research and development will continue in the form of R & D tax credit
in the spirit of World Trade Organisation (WTO) requirements.
According to the Bank of Canada, Quebec's economic growth halved
between 1994 and 1995. What measures do you plan to address this fall?
Quebec's economy is very open: a third of our C$173 billion GDP depends
upon exports, roughly 80 per cent of which go to the US. Overall exports
have grown by 17 per cent over the past year. While our economy, like those
in much of the developing world, is going through a period of restructuring,
we plan to enhance our exports to other countries as well as the US, and
to reduce unnecessary regulations, which impede business in the global economy.
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What are Quebec's main investment opportunities?
Our major investment opportunities are in high-tech industries, including
biotechnology, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and aerospace.
There have been reports that the sovereignty issue has damaged business
confidence in Quebec. Is this the case?
Quebec has the seventh-largest GDP in the world. Our strong and diversified
economy is modern, open to world markets and based on free-market principles.
Our current discussions to redefine our relationship with the federal government
reflect international changes. Quebec's spirit of sovereignty is designed
to enhance the province's competitiveness on world markets, not reduce it.
To achieve this, we need to focus our resources and invest for the development
of our economy and its people. This implies full control of all our taxes.
This at the heart of the current debate, and does not affect business confidence.
In my view, the business climate in Quebec is among the best in Canada.
We are committed to free trade, free enterprise and democracy. We work closely
with our businesses to achieve success. International investors who work
with us regularly recognise the efficient way in which we do business.
What measures do you plan to attract foreign investment?
We will continue to work toward restructuring Quebec's economy. Our R &
D tax incentives are among the most competitive in North America for investment
in high-technology sectors. Because this economy benefits from a well-educated
and -trained workforce, investors in high-technology areas who need innovation
and creativity are well-served here. Our university teachers are among the
best in North America, and we also offer some of the best-trained technicians.
Our corporate tax system is highly competitive.
What sectors of the economy do you see performing best in coming
years?
Futurists believe that information technology, telecommunications and
tourism are the industries of tomorrow. These are also areas in which Quebec
is highly competitive in North America, and we intend to keep our competitive
edge. We will focus on keeping our fiscal policies on a par with our competitors,
and harmonising our regulations in the spirit of the North American Free
Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Sectors in these emerging industries are already
well-established in Quebec: 12.3 per cent of Quebec's production comes from
high-technology sectors - which compares favourably with a G-5 average of
12.5 per cent. Quebec will continue to encourage growth in all these sectors.
Quebec also enjoys competitive advantages in more established industries,
such as aerospace, metals, transport equipment and electrical equipment.
I have full confidence in the innovative spirit of Quebec's entrepreneurs.
There is a lot of talent in Quebec. I believe that, by identifying profitable
niches, embracing new technologies and sharpening our competitive skills,
all sectors will realise their potential. My department is committed to
opening doors for these companies by providing them with all the support
they need to compete in today's world markets.
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©Kensington Publications 1996