The Maryland Department of Commerce has joined the Government of Quebec to sign a cooperative agreement to foster economic development collaboration between the two regions.

The collaboration will help strengthen Maryland and Quebec’s relationship as they build on the life sciences and public health sectors in each region, including the sharing of research and development projects and knowledge across the sectors; partnering on trade and business missions; and hosting exchange programs for companies in incubators and accelerators within the fields. The agreement will also allow Maryland companies to explore the global Canadian market with support in exporting products and investments, and vice versa.

“At a time when public health is at the forefront, this important collaboration between the governments of Maryland and Quebec will help us share vital resources and knowledge while battling the pandemic across North America,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz. “We hope this partnership will help grow our shared interests in the life sciences and lead to numerous benefits for residents in each of our regions.”

This partnership is a result of Governor Hogan’s trade mission to Canada in 2017; the collaboration is for a period of three years and can be renewed by both parties.

Due to travel restrictions and social distancing guidelines, the agreement was signed virtually between the two governments.

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