OTTAWA, ON - Canadian companies are uniquely well-positioned to respond to the global infrastructure boom because of their experience in finding infrastructure solutions in some of the harshest climate conditions in the world, according to a report from Export Development Canada (EDC).

"Environmental concerns, coupled with a harsh climate and close proximity to the largest market in the world, the U.S., has driven Canadian firms to be innovative, employing a staggering variety of technologies in the process," said Francoise Faverjon-Fortin, Vice-President, Infrastructure and Environment, EDC.

Ms. Faverjon-Fortin made her comments as part of EDC's recently released report, Canadians at Work: 50 International Projects, which lists 50 major infrastructure projects around the world where Canadian supply and services have a significant presence.

EDC is providing the report to companies around the world that are, or will be, investing or involved in infrastructure development. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development estimates that close to USD 10 trillion will have been invested in infrastructure projects around the world by 2030.

This year's project listing and company index illustrates Canada's experience in water treatment, building design, power generation, infrastructure services for transit, ports and airports. The report also provides deeper insight into Canadian capacity and expertise in areas such as green building, master planning for cities, as well as power and renewable energy. Renewable energy, such as solar, wind, biomass and hydro-electricity is being developed by Canadian engineering companies taking advantage of global opportunities in clean technologies. Canada is the number one exporter in the world of hydro-electricity technology.

"Canadians are using domestically-built experience to help countries like Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and China build energy-efficient structures and well-planned cities in order to conserve energy and water," continued Ms. Faverjon-Fortin.

As an extra measure to help Canadian companies increase their international visibility, EDC and the Canadian Construction Association have developed a new, online Canadian Construction Exports Directory (CCED). Designed for the use of Canadian construction/infrastructure firms, the CCED is a comprehensive source of information about companies that are exporting their goods and services to international markets. EDC is marketing the directory to foreign companies so they can identify Canadian suppliers who can meet their procurement needs.

A free copy of the report - Canadians at Work: 50 International Infrastructure Projects - EDC is available at (http://www.edc.ca/english/publications_15510.htm).

Source: CNW Group