François-Philippe Champagne was appointed Minister of International Trade of Canada by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in January 2017. </p> </div> </div> </div> Businessman, lawyer and international trade specialist, Minister Champagne has more than 20 years of experience in large international companies, particularly in the field of energy, engineering, and innovation. His full biography and remit is available on the Global Affairs Canada website</a>.</p> He discussed the impact that Sibos will have on Canada, and the growing role of FinTech in international trade.</p> --</p> What value do you think that Sibos will bring to Canada and its financial sector?</strong></p> Minister Champagne</em>: “I am thrilled that Canada is hosting Sibos 2017; this conference is a tremendous boost for our financial sector, and a great event for Canada.” </p> “Toronto is an ideal city to project Canadian innovation in banking, finance and FinTech to a large international audience seeking strong, stable and secure investment opportunities. Toronto is also an ideal host city to showcase our country’s vast and diverse talent pool. I see a great deal of value in connecting the world’s brightest financial leaders to a city that is rightly recognized as a world-class financial hub.” </p> “Sibos also brings together all our provincial and municipal partners, which helps the financial community build relationships at every level of government, driving investment to our communities and local businesses.”</p> Why does FinTech matter to international trade and the Canadian economy?</strong></p> Minister Champagne</em>: “I am very proud that Canada’s financial industry is recognized as one of the world’s strongest. We have more than 300 FinTech firms, and Venture Capital investment in the industry rose almost 74 per cent to C$264.8 million from 2015 to 2016. Our companies are cutting edge and constantly pushing the boundaries of modern digital technology to enhance how financial services are delivered to customers in Canada and abroad.”</p> “International trade creates new markets for Canadian FinTech and new partnerships—these partnerships drive innovation and spur advances in technology. This momentum, in turn, drives competition across the FinTech industry and improves services not only in the financial sector, but in other industries as well, like insurance, retail and healthcare.” </p> How have trade agreements helped open doors for the FinTech community?</strong></p> Minister Champagne</em>: “Canada is well-positioned to build bridges and create the space for more investment. We know investment creates growth and growth creates jobs. There has never been a better time to diversify and Canada is seizing every opportunity to do so in a way that positions Canadian businesses for success. Free trade agreements open doors for FinTech companies into larger markets, providing greater choices and better prices for consumers, while also protecting investors abroad. Simply put, trade agreements make it easier for professionals in FinTech to conduct business across borders.”</p> “With the free trade agreements our government is contemplating, actively pursuing or signing, Canada is rapidly becoming the bridge between the Pacific and the Atlantic and the economic gateway between the burgeoning Asian and lucrative European markets. With the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and with the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), Canada is already well-positioned. When you think of Canada today, you must now see this country as stable, world-class market with preferential access to 1.2 billion consumers.” </p> “For example, CETA gives Canadian service suppliers the best market access the European Union (EU) has ever granted. It puts Canadian service providers on equal footing with their EU competitors and makes it easier for highly skilled professionals, such as engineers and senior managers, to work in the EU, establish branches in the EU, and bid on EU service contracts. Investment provisions in CETA are also designed to give investors greater certainty, stability, and protection for their investments and to secure access to each other’s respective market.” </p> “As more trade agreements, such as CETA, come into effect, we expect to see even more growth in fintech markets and more opportunities thanks to reduced barriers to trade. Canada is leading the charge.” </p> Do you have a message for this year’s Sibos delegates?</strong></p> Minister Champagne</em>: “We hope you will enjoy your stay in Toronto, and we invite you to spend time in the Canada Lounge here at Sibos. Canada’s finest FinTech companies will be networking in that space throughout the conference. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service is also there to provide practical advice on foreign markets and help you achieve your business goals.” </p> “As you walk through the convention centre, please introduce yourself to the many Canadian companies on site showcasing the strong, stable, secure banking options that Canada offers.” </p> “Canada is open for business and with that in mind, let’s be ambitious, let’s seize the opportunities and create new connections, partnerships and investment opportunities that will lead to success. We really hope you enjoy Sibos and your stay in Canada!”</p> • Why you should invest in Canada</a> • Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service </a></p> </p>