Country Profile

Canada has set a footage as the world's second largest country by total area. The nation shares land borders with the united states to the south and northwest. Canada is vested in the hands of constitutional monarchy, which is also a parliamentary democracy and a federation. The GDP of canada shoots up to $1.274 trillion. Transportation equipment, chemicals, minerals, food products, wood, paper products, fish products, petroleum and natural gas share the major portion of the canada's industrial hub. The industrial production growth rate is recorded at 1.6%. Motor vehicles & parts, industrial machinery, aircraft, telecommunication equipment, chemicals, plastic, fertilizer, wood pulp, timber, crude petroleum, natural gas, electricity and aluminum are supplied by canada to all across the world.

Snapshot

Economic Overview

• It's economy closely resembles the US economy.
• Newly entered in the trillion dollar class.
• Free market economy, more government intervention than the US.
• Exports account 1/3rd of the GDP.
• Depends upon international trade, especially trade with the US.
• Enjoys high natural resources, skilled labour force and modern capital plant.
• The economy is dominated by the service industry.
• The manufacturing sector is sizeable, centered in Southern Ontario, especially important is the automobile industry.

International Trade
Major Export Items
Motor Vehicles and Parts, Industrial Machinery, Aircraft, Telecommunications Equipment, Chemicals, Plastics, Fertilizers, Wood Pulp, Timber, Crude Petroleum, Natural Gas, Electricity, Aluminum

Main Destinations of Exports
United States, Japan, United Kingdom.

Major Import Items
Machinery and Equipment, Motor Vehicles And Parts, Crude Oil, Chemicals, Electricity, Durable Consumer Goods

Main Origins of Imports
United States, China, Japan.

Contacts of Trade Ministries/ Associations

Business Visa Rules
The following documents are required for obtaining business visa for Canada:

• A valid and subsisting passport for travel to Canada.
• Visa application forms.
• Introductory or sponsorship letters from associated companies, business representatives, government agencies or other authority.
• 2 photographs.
• Visitors must be in possession of or have satisfactory evidence of sufficient funds to maintain themselves in Canada and to effect departure.

Note :- A visa can be issued of validity up to 5 years, but it cannot be issued which is valid longer than the passport. Upon arrival, entry can be granted for a stay of up to 6 months.

Business Hours
9.00 am to 5.00 pm - Offices (Monday to Friday)
10.00 am to 4.30 pm - Banks (Monday to Thursday and until 5.00 or 6.00 pm on Fridays)
8.30 am to 5.30 pm - Post Offices (Monday to Friday)
9.30 am to 6.00 pm - Shops (Monday to Friday. Extended hours vary)
Note :- Many banks are also open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Saturdays.

Public holidays