About Us

The Fédération des chambres de commerce du Québec (FCCQ)

Thanks to its wide network of more than 140 chambers of commerce, the FCCQ represents more than 60,000 businesses and 150,000 business people involved in all sectors of the economy throughout the province. As the most important business network in Québec, the FCCQ is both a Federation of chambers of commerce, and a provincial chamber. Its members, both chambers and businesses, pursue the same goal: to foster an innovative and competitive business environment

FCCQ Trade Corridors

Trade corridors are based on a deep conviction that joint initiatives between business communities and governments are among the most important solutions to the numerous challenges raised by the globalization of markets and security concerns at our borders. Trade corridors are part of a vast North-South movement for economic cooperation, in which all Canadian-American cross-border regions on the East and West of the continent are taking part.

Launched in 2015, the COREX export corridors Program offers companies the tools to support their international expansion.

Mission

With the financial support of the Canada Economic Development Agency, the Corex Opportunities platform aims to:

  • Strengthen links between the Quebec and US local chambers of commerce network;
  • Facilitate interprovincial and international commercial exchanges through the strength of its network available to businesses;
  • Contribute to the creation of new exporters, and the increase in sales volume of existing exporters;
  • Encourage companies to export their products and services in regions that are extremely strategic to the economic development of Canada and the United States
  • Facilitate the contact, the development of new business partnerships, trade in services and e-commerce between Québec and American businesses.
 

History

The strengthening of security measures on the Canada-US border following the events of September 11, 2001, has had the effect of considerably reducing the flow of freight and threaten trade between Quebec and the United States

To support Québec’s exporters, the FCCQ, in collaboration with the Government of Quebec, quickly allied with the Plattsburgh - North Country Chamber of Commerce to encourage and maintain a smooth flow of trade across the border.

Throughout the years, the FCCQ as know how to develop and maintain close relations with the Chambers of Commerce of all six New England states as well as the state of New York.

  • Agreement Québec – New York Corridor between the FCCQ and the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce.
  • Cooperative Agreement Québec – Vermont between the FCCQ and the Vermont Chamber of Commerce.
  • Partnership Agreement between the FCCQ and The Business & Industry Association of New Hampshire.
  • Business Partnership Agreement between the FCCQ and The Hartford and Springfield Economic Partnership (Quebec, Connecticut, Massachusetts)
  • Partnership Agreement between the FCCQ and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce.
  • Cooperative Agreement between the FCCQ and the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

During the years that followed, the FCCQ and its US partners have:

  • Participated in C-TPAT and NEXUS type programs and supported the Beyond the Borders project initiatives;
  • Called for improved border and road infrastructure on each side of the border;
  • Encouraged free trade initiatives in regards to the "Buy American Act " in order to mitigate the effects of protectionist measures;
  • Identified and promoted commercial opportunities in the natural union between Quebec and US companies;
  • Helped in the recognition of the economic contribution of Quebec’s large companies present on both sides of the border;
  • Promoted and encouraged the reconciliation of all policy-makers;
  • Put in contact compatible university research centers;
  • Maintained and deepened relations with the chambers of commerce of all six states of New England as well as with those of the State of New York, including the signing of commercial partnerships and cooperation agreements.