LONDON, United Kingdom — Carl Viel, the Président & CEO of Québec International, will represent the greater Quebec City region at the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum. The three-day programme, taking place across various venues in London from 26 to 28 November 2026, convenes an international delegation of senior business executives, policymakers, and trade officials to address the most pressing challenges in global commerce.
Québec International serves as the primary economic development agency for Canada’s Quebec City metropolitan area. Since its inception in 2003, the organisation has been instrumental in enhancing the region’s global standing by attracting foreign direct investment and facilitating the international expansion of local enterprises. By participating in the London forum, the agency seeks to strengthen its ties with international trade partners and showcase the competitive advantages of the Quebec City ecosystem on a global stage.
A central focus for the agency during the convocation will be the promotion of technological entrepreneurship and innovation. Québec International operates LE CAMP, a specialised incubator and accelerator designed to help technology-driven startups scale their operations. Through high-level discussions in London, the agency aims to identify new market access opportunities for these businesses, particularly in the European market, while also exploring collaborative strategies for talent recruitment and retention.
The attendance of Carl Viel is particularly significant given his extensive background in economic development and innovation policy. In addition to his leadership of Québec International since 2008, he was recently appointed president of the International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation (IASP) North America Division. His expertise in trade diversification was also recently sought by the Canadian Parliament’s International Trade Committee, where he provided testimony regarding economic relations with emerging markets.
The London forum provides a critical platform for Québec International to engage with the International Trade Council’s global network. As the agency continues to manage significant agreements, such as its recent 1.35 million dollar partnership with Desjardins Group to support newcomer integration, the insights gained from this international convocation will be vital for refining the region’s long-term economic strategies and supply chain resilience.
The current global economic climate requires a disciplined approach to market diversification and the strengthening of cross-border partnerships. My objective in London is to facilitate dialogue on how regional innovation hubs can better integrate into global supply chains while addressing the practical barriers to entry that many of our high-growth companies face.
Our focus remains on creating sustainable economic value through targeted international recruitment and the strategic promotion of our technological assets. By engaging with other trade leaders, we can refine the tools necessary to support the expansion of Quebec-based enterprises into new territories.
Following the conclusion of the three-day programme, Québec International intends to apply the forum’s findings to its ongoing efforts to diversify export markets for Canadian businesses. The agency’s participation underscores its mandate to ensure that the Quebec City region remains a preferred destination for international investors and a leading hub for technological innovation in North America.
About Québec International
Québec International is the economic development agency dedicated to fostering the growth and international competitiveness of the greater Quebec City region. Founded in 2003 and governed by a 20-member board representing diverse industries, the organisation focuses on attracting foreign investment, recruiting international talent, and supporting technological entrepreneurship through its incubator, LE CAMP. The agency plays a vital role in helping local companies expand their global footprint through market diversification and productivity initiatives.
About the International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum
The International Trade Council Global Convocation & Leadership Forum is a premier international event that brings together senior business leaders, trade officials, and policymakers. Held across various venues in London, the three-day programme is designed to advance international trade relations, improve market access, and enhance supply chain resilience through high-level collaboration and advocacy.
About the International Trade Council
The International Trade Council is a neutral, non-lobbying peak-body chamber of commerce that has supported global commerce since its founding in 1956. Its extensive network reaches more than 179 countries and includes over 28,000 members, ranging from government ministries and diplomatic missions to chambers of commerce and private enterprises. The Council is dedicated to reducing trade barriers and fostering sustainable economic growth through market research, education via the ITC Academy, and the promotion of ethical trade practices.
About the International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring
The International Centre for Trade Transparency and Monitoring, or ICTTM, is a commercial spin-off of the International Trade Council established in November 2022. Headquartered in the United Kingdom with additional operations in the Philippines, the organisation focuses on improving transparency in international commerce through its AI-powered platform, ADAMftd. This technology utilises billions of trade data points, including shipping records and tariff information, to help organisations model supply chains, assess counterparty risk, and forecast market trends.
