New technology and skill development are among key issues to enhance export capacity for Greater Victoria export businesses, a new study suggests.
Results from Greater Victoria Development Agency’s export study, Developing Greater Victoria’s Export Capacity also said key to enhancing export capacity include financing and production capacity.
The study resulted from four months of research that engaged 150 local companies on how the region can grow small companies into job creators.
The research was launched as part of an effort to reinvigorate the Greater Victoria’s economy.
“Our economy is not keeping pace with other cities in the rest of Canada. We have a tremendous opportunity to expand by helping more companies go international,” said Dallas Gislason, economic development officer with GVDA.
“What this translates into is a potential for household sustaining jobs, opportunities for families and young people to grow careers right here in Greater Victoria.”
The next step for the GVDA is to coordinate responses to the study’s recommendations beginning as early as February, when it will launch an export development workshop series focused on building small firms’ capacity to grow internationally.