Here’s to PPPs

The Harper government has decided to put in place conditions for increasing the development of the Canadian market’s public-private partnerships (PPPs) in 2009-2010.
The French Canada Chamber of Commerce in Canada (CCFC) is making necessary adjustments. “In January, we organised a forum on this theme, drawing around 150 company participants from both sides of the Atlantic,” says Florent Belleteste, Manager of the Chamber that counts 1,200 members in Quebec, 70% of which are Canadian. “French Groups such as Vinci, Suez and Bouygues displayed their interest in the major projects being launched in the country. Which is why we decided to divide activities into sectors, offering a greater number of seminars and forums. Public-private partnerships will thus be the theme of two other meetings in 2009, one in Spring, the other in Autumn,” announces Florent Belleteste.
The modernisation of prisons, transport infrastructures, waste management... All these areas are earning special attention from the CCFC. The Chamber relies on its numerous partners to organise events and meetings in France: Ubifrance (the French Agency for international business development), Oséo (the public establishment that finances innovation in the SMEs), professional organisations and associations, French Chambers of Commerce, especially in Paris, Bordeaux, the Midi-Pyrénées and Grenoble.
While 2009 promises to be busy, the Chamber is also aware that its income may well diminish due to the wait-and-see context of members. “In Canada, concern has come to light later and to a lesser extent that in Europe or the United States. But an event such as the great annual ball (in May, in Montréal, editorial note), usually a high income-generator, will attract fewer registrations,” continues Florent Belleteste. The “very good fiscal years” in the last three years will nevertheless allow the private association to face, “without any difficulties”, possible losses in the events sector (around 33% of income) in 2009-2010. Amongst the CCFC’s other priorities is the rapprochement of investors and innovative project owners, as was the case in February at the Venture Capital Forum Canada-France (www.venturecapital-forum.com).