2010-2014 Corporate Plan Summary - EDC

EDC is also developing a more integrated referral process for 2010 with DFAIT’s TCS,
based on best practices of when to refer clients and how to do so. By setting clear
guidelines for referrals, both EDC and DFAIT will be able to provide Canadian
exporters and investors with a positive, supportive and more integrated experience as
they engage in foreign markets and seek out advice, guidance and targeted business
intelligence and services.
Deepening Relationships with other Crown Corporations
EDC’s ability to help Canadian exporters and investors is also supported by its
partnerships with Canadian financial Crown Corporations, such as the Business
Development Bank of Canada (BDC), Farm Credit Canada (FCC) and the Canadian
Commercial Corporation (CCC).
In 2008 and 2009, EDC and FCC have focused on developing a stronger under standing
of each other’s respective mandates, product offerings and credit processes. EDC
recently conducted a survey of FCC staff which highlighted the need for increased
awareness of each other’s services. In 2010, EDC will be implementing the recommen -
dations of the survey through shared training programs and marketing events.
In 2009, EDC and CCC have been sharing risk management frameworks and practices
with a view to ensuring a better understanding of each other’s respective products and
services and risk mitigation practices. The Corporation is also continuing its training
sessions for CCC employees, and EDC and CCC are working together on developing
joint training initiatives, including webinars, for the Trade Commissioner Service.
EDC is also working with DFAIT and the CCC through the Joint Market Development
Initiative. Through this pilot program, EDC is working with its partners to identify
potential business opportunities in Government-to-Government relations in Panama,
Peru and Colombia.
EDC also expanded its partnership activities with BDC this year, most notably through
the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), a consultative mechanism through
which EDC and BDC work with Canadian banks to fill gaps in capacity caused by
current market conditions. BCAP allows for early identification and triaging between
EDC and BDC. A more complete discussion of BCAP is provided on page 20 of the
Deploying Innovative Solutions section of the Plan.
Building on their engagement through BCAP, EDC and BDC are in the process of
formalizing a joint cross referral system for respective business development and
transactional support, and increasing the number of joint customer events across the
country. In the first six months of 2009, EDC and BDC conducted 95 referrals and
hosted more than 11 joint customer events. This will continue to be a priority in 2010.
EDC’s wide network of contacts in the public and private sector enables the
Corporation to assist Canadian companies in finding solutions to their business needs
even when an EDC product or service isn’t applicable. Providing information and
referrals is a key element to fostering trusted partner relationships, not only with
customers, but with other financial intermediaries and public sector partners.
Chapter 2 – EDC’s Business Strategy 15