Pauline Marois in New York to promote Quebec

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois says she has made an effort to reassure multinational corporations concerned about the policies of her Parti Quebecois government.

Quebec Premier Pauline Marois hit the Big Apple Thursday to embark on a two-day trade mission.

Marois went to New York with Minister of International Relations, Francophonie and Foreign Trade, Jean-François Lisée.

The initiative aims at enhancing relations with the United States, which buys 70 percent of Quebec’s international exports.

The visit will also see Marois cut the ribbon on Expansion Quebec, a fledgling investment network aiming at promoting Quebec companies in the U.S.

Expansion Quebec will host small and medium sized companies in Midtown Manhattan, near the Grand Central Station, starting in January.

The service will offer office space and advice to Quebec companies which aim to sell their wares and services in the United States

The service is offered in partnership with Enterprise Rhone-Alpes International (IIBA) which has 20 years of experience in offering such facilities in 21 countries.

Director General Liliane Laverdiere said she hoped to open 14 such centres around the world over the next five years.

On Thursday, Marois will address members of the Foreign Policy Association concerning Quebec’s economic priorities.

On Friday, Marois will consult with experts concerning the post-election political and economic situation in the United States.