Ontario is participating in ConnectTechAsia to showcase technology solutions from Ontario and to promote the province as a global centre for ICT expertise and show to international buyers that Ontario ICT companies can provide high-value and advanced technologies.
“Ontario is the Silicon Valley of the North. It is home to North America’s second largest number of innovative ICT companies,” said Eve Rotstein, Area Director, Southeast Asia, Export Services Branch, Ministry of International Trade, Province of Ontario, Canada.
“Some of these Ontario companies that have enjoyed global success include Blackberry, Celestica, Mitel, OpenText, QNX, Sandvine, and Side Effects, as well as upcomers like SecureKey, Shopify and Wattpad.”
Rotstein said Ontario is where Geographical Information System (GIS) software, smart thermostats and IMX film technology was first developed. Made-in-Ontario technologies can also be found onboard 80% of the commercial satellites ever launched and are at the core of the world’s most secure digital cryptography and e-security systems.
“Customers in more than 140 countries use technologies from Ontario in broadband network management, digital gaming, healthcare, industrial automation, smart grids, fintech, cloud services, big data analytics, social media, mobile apps, photonics, connected cars and intelligent transportation technologies – the list is virtually endless,” she said.
Rotstein added that Canada have the lowest costs among G7 nations for software development, electronics assembly, R&D, telecommunications and manufacturing and has free trade agreements with more than 16 countries – which can significantly reduce tariffs and duties.