The St Lawrence Economic Development Corporation (Sodes) is hosting today the 26th edition of Quebec Maritime Day (JMQ), under the theme ‘The St Lawrence – Our gateway to the world’. Since its inception, the JMQ has established itself as a strategic event fostering ongoing dialogue between Québec’s maritime ecosystem and the Government of Québec.
As trade patterns evolve and Québec seeks to diversify its markets, the St Lawrence River is a major asset for its economy. Thanks to the river, businesses from all regions of Québec can access international markets, particularly in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas.
The maritime sector also offers concrete opportunities: accelerating the energy transition in freight transport; innovating and making better use of operational data to optimise supply chains; revitalising shipbuilding and ship repair; stimulating investment across all regions through infrastructure projects; and developing a skilled and available workforce.
“The St Lawrence is one of Québec’s most strategic assets, central to its ability to export and attract investment”, says Mathieu St-Pierre, Chief Executive of Sodes. “We know it is possible to develop it whilst protecting it. To realise this potential, the sector needs a long-term maritime vision, coordinated action between the relevant ministries, greater predictability and ongoing dialogue. We are coming forward with proposals and a commitment to working collaboratively.”
The day includes a series of meetings with public decision-makers and will conclude with a networking reception bringing together more than 215 participants. Through this initiative, Quebec’s maritime ecosystem reaffirms the strategic role of the St Lawrence as Quebec’s gateway to the world.
In addition, the Institut maritime du Québec is offering primary school pupils in their final year and secondary school pupils ‘Cap sur le monde maritime!’ – a virtual immersive activity enabling participants to explore careers in the maritime sector.
This 26th edition was made possible thanks to the collaboration of Green Marine Alliance, the St. Lawrence Ship Operators’ Association, the Human Resources Sectorial Committee of the Maritime Industry and the Government of Quebec, whose ongoing support helps to raise the profile of this event.
About Sodes
The Saint-Laurent Economic Development Corporation (Sodes) is a non-profit organisation whose mandate is to bring together the stakeholders that make up Québec’s maritime ecosystem around the economic, environmental and social opportunities offered by the St Lawrence corridor.
(Photo of the Port of Québec, courtesy of Innovation Maritime)