Members’ mission to Canada 2027

A special relationship

The relationship between the Netherlands and Canada goes beyond trade. Canadian troops played a leading role in the liberation of the Netherlands, Canada sheltered the Dutch royal family during the war, and Princess Margriet was born in Ottawa. As a gesture of gratitude, the Netherlands still sends tulips to Canada every year. This shared history underpins a close relationship, built on common interests and a shared commitment to free trade and an international rules-based order.

A strong trade relationship

The Netherlands is by far the largest European investor in Canada, with investments exceeding €110 billion in 2025. Canadian companies invested almost €57 billion in the Netherlands that year, nearly 10 per cent more than a year earlier. These investments are expected to grow further as Canada increasingly diversifies its trade.

The Netherlands also plays a key role in trade in goods. More than 22 per cent of Canadian exports to the EU go to the Netherlands, representing around €6 billion. This makes the Netherlands Canada’s largest European export market, ahead of Germany (21 per cent) and France (12 per cent). In 2025, Canadian exports to the EU grew by more than 23 per cent, the largest increase on record.

The Netherlands as a gateway to Europe

Canadian companies are looking more closely than ever at Europe as an export market and seeking a strong base for their operations. With its seaports, airports, extensive road, rail and inland waterway networks, and expertise in customs and distribution, the Netherlands is a natural gateway to Europe. This is why we are organising a members’ mission to Toronto and Montreal.

Participants will meet Canadian companies with concrete plans for Europe. The programme includes company visits, seminars and networking opportunities in both Toronto and Montreal. The mission offers opportunities to attract new flows of goods through the Netherlands, support Canadian companies in establishing operations here, develop new partnerships and gain insight into the Canadian market.

Why now?

• Canada is looking for new trading partners. Canadian companies want to diversify their export markets, and Europe is high on their agenda.
• Growth is already underway. Canadian exports to the EU increased by more than 23 per cent in 2025, and this momentum is continuing.
• The EU and Canada are strengthening their ties. Both sides are exploring closer economic cooperation, creating new opportunities for trade and investment.
• CETA opens doors. Almost all import tariffs between the EU and Canada have been eliminated, but many companies have yet to take full advantage.
• New flows of goods require new logistics solutions. Growing volumes in sectors such as energy, aluminium and agricultural products call for efficient routes, storage and distribution in Europe.
• Supply chains are being reconfigured. Companies on both sides of the Atlantic are looking for reliable partners to make their supply chains more resilient.
• Getting involved early offers an advantage. Canadian companies are choosing their routes, ports and partners now.

Draft programme

The mission begins on Sunday evening in Toronto with a kick-off reception, followed by a week of meetings with Canadian companies, partners and government representatives.

• Monday: Company visits in Toronto, followed by a networking reception at the residence of the Dutch Consul General.
• Tuesday: A seminar and company visit, followed by travel to Montreal.
• Wednesday: A tour of Deloitte’s smart warehouse with a networking lunch, followed by the “Netherlands as Gateway to Europe Forum”, organised in cooperation with the Dutch Embassy and three export promotion organisations (chambers of commerce) from Montreal.
• Thursday: A full day at the CargoM Summit, with ample networking opportunities.
• Friday: A tour of the Port of Montreal, followed by a closing lunch and possible company visits.

Practical information

• Dates: 21–26 March 2027
• Destinations: Toronto and Montreal
• Registration: Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis
• Participation fee: €2,350 excluding VAT

The participation fee includes: Kick-off reception, three lunches, two dinners, coach transfers, company visits, seminars and networking receptions, participation in the CargoM Summit.

Travel and accommodation costs are at participants’ own expense. HIDC will recommend flights and hotels.