IFInet - IFI Procurement and Capital Projects Opportunities

I nternational Financing Information Network (IFInet) is a Web site providing information to help Canadian companies prosper in the $130 billion development business market.

IFInet can help you find out:

• how to supply your goods and services to development and humanitarian projects;
• where to find project financing and guarantees for your investments in developing and transition economies;
• how other companies are thriving in this market; and
• who in the Trade Commissioner Service can best support your efforts.

From the World Bank to the United Nations, from health sector reform to wastewater treatment, IFInet can provide you with the information you need to compete in the development business market.

Eligibility Criteria

Canadian companies are eligible to bid on most contracts.

Summary

International opportunities for Canadian companies are available through the following groups:

• Multilateral Development Banks (MDB): The MDB provide over US $50 billion per year in loans and grants to support development activities. Although many of these contracts are for goods and services that can be purchased locally in developing countries, a significant percentage is for imported goods and services where Canada has strong export capabilities. As Canada is a shareholder in these institutions, Canadian companies are eligible to bid on these contracts.
• Bilateral Development Agencies (BDA): The BDA provide over US $70 billion per year in loans and grants to support development activities. Although many of these contracts are tied to the purchase of goods and services from either the donor or recipient countries, Canada firms are eligible to bid on a growing proportion of these contracts.
• United Nations Agencies (UN): The UN system is made up of some thirty affiliates that spend US $7 billion every year on goods and services needed for development and humanitarian assistance in more than one hundred countries. As Canada is a member of most United Nations agencies, Canadian companies are eligible to bid on these contracts. 
• International and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): The role of NGOs and other international organizations in the development business market is expanding. Some manage long-term programs; others provide relief in conflict or disaster situations. There are opportunities for Canadians to supply NGOs and other international organizations in this $2-billion market.

Nova Scotia Contact(s):
Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada
5th Floor, World Trade and Convention Centre
1800 Argyle Street
P.O. Box 940, Station M
Halifax, Nova Scotia  B3J 2V9
Telephone: (902) 426-7540
Fax: (902) 426-5218
Toll-free (information): 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada)
TTY (hearing impaired): (613) 944-9136
E-mail: hlfax@international.gc.ca
Web site: http://www.international.gc.ca/menu-en.asp