Quebec’s small- and medium-size enterprises need to form closer ties with overseas partners, says the province’s minister for economic development, innovation and exports Claude Bechard.

“We are optimistic about the [Bombardier] CSeries - it should be one of the projects that has a big impact on the Quebec economy,” says Bechard, but he adds that there should be other projects in case of “problems with our leader”.

Bechard attended the Paris air show to announce one such initiative: Paris-based LISI Aerospace is to open a subsidiary in Montreal with the help of a C$1.9 million ($1.53 million) interest free loan from Quebec to fund the installation of production equipment.

LISI Aerospace Canada, which will make aerospace fasteners mainly for North American markets, plans to invest C$10.6 million and create around 140 jobs within five years.

“Quality infrastructures, the expertise and availability of workers in the Greater Montreal region and Quebec and competitive operating costs are some of the factors that help make Quebec a preferred location for companies looking to increase their activities in the aerospace field,” says Bechard.

HELEN MASSY-BERESFORD/PARIS

Source: Flight International

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