ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CANADA This section generally includes two broad categories: general economic data that serve as a basis to evaluate the economic soundness of the country Canada; and information

ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CANADA

This section generally includes two broad categories: general economic data that serve as a basis to evaluate the economic soundness of the country Canada; and information on business infrastructure, including distribution channels and media. As noted above, the headings in each section are general and intended to provide direction to areas to explore for relevant data. Heading topic area may be emphasized or de-emphasized, depending on the nature of the firm’s product and the country being targeted.


Executive Summary (Summary of the key points from the entire section, listing the most important items that the busy executive should be aware of; about 1 page or less)


a. Introduction


b. Population

Total Population, as well as growth rates, number of live births, and birthrates Population Distribution (including age, sex, migration rates and patterns, ethnic

groups, groups; geographic areas subdivided as urban, suburban, and rural,densities of these)


c. Economic Statistics and Activity Gross national product (GNP or GDP – gross domestic product) Growth Rate

Personal Income Per Capita Average Family Income Distribution of Wealth

Income Classes (including lower, middle, upper, and proportion of population in each)


d. Primary Indigenous Natural Resources


e. Surface Transportation (modes, availability, usage rates)


f. Ports (main ports, quality of infrastructure, available services)


g. Communication Systems (types, availability, usage rates)


h. Working Conditions

Employer-Employee Relationships Worker Wages and Benefits White Color Salaries and Benefits


i. Labor Force (including size and unemployment rates)


j. Principal Industries


k. Inward Foreign Direct Investment (including type and amounts of key investment categories)


l. International Trade Statistics

Major Exports (including products categories, dollar value per year, and trends) Major Imports (including products categories, dollar value per year, and trends) Balance-of-Payments Situation (e.g., surplus or deficit?)

Currency (including recent and historic exchange rates, and forecasts if available) Trade Barriers (tariffs, non-tariff barriers, quotas, import taxes, and embargoes, if any. Also include here any relevant information on trade barriers and regulations specific to the industry and product)

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m. Inflation Rates (recent and historic)


n. Technology and Science

Level of Technology (computers, machinery, tools, etc. especially as this relates to your industry)

Percentage of GNP – gross national product- Invested in Research and Development

Technological Skills of the Labor Force and General Population (especially, as relevant to the industry)

Channels of Distribution (macro analysis, emphasizing the general level and quality of distribution channels; later you will report on the nature of channels specific to your industry and choose the most appropriate channel as part of your distribution strategy)


o. Intermediaries

Retailers (relevant only if your product is primarily a retail good. Include number of retailers, retailers per capita, typical size of retail outlets, and role of chain stores, department stores, and specialty shops)

Wholesale Intermediaries (number and size, usual markup and method of operation, method of payment)

Import and Export Agents

Warehousing (availability, quality, problem areas) Penetration of Urban and Rural Markets


p. Media (macro analysis, emphasizing the general media available in the country; later, you will report on the media specific to your company, and select specific media as part of your recommended marketing strategy).

Availability of Media

Cost of Media (report on the media most relevant to your industry, including television, radio, print, Internet, transit, cinema, outdoor, others)

Advertising Agencies (availability, major ad agencies, typical capabilities)