EDC enters into strategic partnership with McGill’s Desautels Program for International Competitiveness

(MONTREAL) - 26 May 2011 - The Program for International Competitiveness (PIC) at McGill's Desautels Faculty of Management and Export Development Canada (EDC) today announced EDC's sponsorship of PIC's new Case Study Program.

This two-year partnership will help address a knowledge gap in the Canadian marketplace about the realities of growing a business with export trade through a series of practical, insightful and industry-friendly case studies on international commerce and corporate competitiveness.

"The EDC-sponsored Case Study Program was designed in response to EDC's interest in the research, analysis and writing of case studies on Canadian enterprises that have demonstrated commercial success in increasingly integrated and competitive global markets," said William C. T. Polushin, Founding Director of PIC.

The funding will support the development of six in-depth case studies, including a unique set of teaching notes for each case. The case studies will be promoted and distributed as they become available in the fall, via PIC's and EDC's websites.

"EDC's sponsorship is a complementary part of our mission to develop globally minded Canadian students with real-world knowledge and skills to excel in international business," said Stephen Poloz, President and CEO of EDC. "The evolution in international trade towards emerging markets and global supply chains requires a different set of business skills than even a decade ago, and EDC believes that PIC's Case Study Program will enable the next generation of Canadian business leaders, and Canada, to remain ahead of the curve."

About the Program for International Competitiveness

The Program for International Competitiveness is a Centre of Excellence at McGill's Desautels Faculty of Management in the areas of globalization, international management, and firm competitiveness. PIC's mission is to play a leadership role in the development and delivery of new and innovative business models and capacity building initiatives that will help foster globally savvy managers, leaders and students, and as a result, globally competitive enterprises.

About EDC

EDC is Canada's export credit agency, offering innovative commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC's knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 8,200 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. EDC is financially self-sustaining and a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis.

Media contacts:

Phil Taylor    
Export Development Canada  

Tel: 613-598-2904   
Blackberry: ptaylor [at] edc.ca  

William C.T. Polushin

Founding Director, Program for International Competitiveness

Tel: 514-398-5969

Email: william.polushin [at] mcgill.ca