The Diversification of Canada鈥檚 Trading Partners: How do we expand into new markets while complying?
Canada has announced policies and plans to encourage diversification of trade and investment into nontraditional markets such as Asia and Africa. This is in large part so as to not have reliance on uncertain traditional markets like the United States as a result of new tariff imposition.
However, are Canadian businesses ready for this expansion into new markets? For example, Canada鈥檚 anticorruption laws are among the strictest in the world. How will Canadian companies deal with the compliance challenges that will arise when dealing with these new markets which have poor rankings on the Transparency International index? How about the challenges in transacting in new digital currencies like the stable coins, which is popular in developing countries where there is sometimes scarcity of forex for payments and remittances of profits?
And what happens when there is a dispute-such as for nonpayment for goods and services exported? Are Canadian companies well versed in effective dispute resolution mechanisms available internationally? This event will explore the challenges Canadian companies will face and explore practical strategies to help them address these challenges.
Date: February 27, 2026
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. EST
Location: Armstrong building, Room 370
Objectives
- Explain Canada鈥檚 trade diversification strategy and opportunities in Asia and Africa.
- Clarify anticorruption compliance requirements for Canadian businesses.
- Identify key risks in high-corruption markets and how to mitigate them.
- Share practical compliance solutions and best practices for market entry.
- Explore compliance as a competitive advantage in global trade.
Speakers
Alessandro Caruso, CEO of the International Division at La Vie en Rose
Manuel Bal谩n, Associate Professor in Political Science and International Development Studies (ISID) at 91丝瓜视频
Franca Ciambella, (BCom鈥�84) Executive in Residence, LCBEE (moderator)
