Carl Viel serves as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Québec International, a position he has held since 2008. He leads the economic development agency’s mandate to enhance the global standing and economic growth of the greater Quebec City region. His responsibilities encompass directing initiatives that attract foreign direct investment, recruit international talent, and foster technological entrepreneurship. Under his leadership, the agency assists local businesses in expanding their operations and accelerating their success across international markets.
Prior to joining Québec International, Mr Viel accumulated nearly two decades of experience in the private sector, alongside prominent leadership roles at Montréal International and Montréal InVivo. A native of Quebec City, he holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Université Laval. He further advanced his expertise by completing specialised programmes at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the NTL Institute, and the Niagara Institute.
Mr Viel is a highly regarded figure in economic development and international trade. In July 2022, he was appointed a Knight of the National Order of Merit of the French Republic. Furthermore, in May 2024, he was named president of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation North America Division. He frequently speaks on economic matters, notably testifying before the Canadian Parliament’s International Trade Committee in April 2026 regarding trade diversification and relations with Africa.
Organisation
Founded in 2003, Québec International is a non-profit economic development agency dedicated to unifying and accelerating the economic growth of the Quebec City metropolitan region. The organisation provides essential services in foreign direct investment attraction, international talent recruitment, and foreign market development. Operating globally, the agency supports local enterprises through market diversification initiatives, productivity programmes, and LE CAMP, an incubator and accelerator for technological entrepreneurship. Governed by a diverse twenty-member board of directors, Québec International shapes international trade by connecting Canadian businesses with global export markets.
Areas of Focus
- Foreign direct investment attraction and regional economic development.
- International market diversification and export growth strategies for local enterprises.
- Global talent recruitment and the integration of skilled international workers.
- Technological entrepreneurship and the advancement of innovation ecosystems.
At the Forum
At the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum, Mr Viel aims to engage with senior leaders, trade officials, and policymakers to advance international trade and market access. His objectives include sharing insights on supply chain resilience, exploring avenues for export growth, and discussing strategies for trade diversification. By participating in this prominent gathering in London, he seeks to strengthen global partnerships that will support the economic expansion and international footprint of the Quebec City region.
