Trade Commissioner Service
# Trade Commissioner Service

Part of Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a network of more than 1000 trade professionals working in Canadian embassies, high commissions, and consulates located in 161 cities around the world and with offices across Canada.

## Role

The Trade Commissioner Services (TCS) assists companies in various aspects of international business, including exporting, foreign investment, attracting investment, and establishing innovation and research and development partnerships. Their primary objective is to support Canadian companies in expanding their operations overseas.

## Services for Canadian businesses

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service offers four key services which are designed to support the growth of Canadian companies internationally.

The four key services are:

* Preparing Canadian companies for international markets
* Providing an assessment of the company's potential in a target market through the use of market intelligence and providing advice on market strategies
* Finding qualified contacts
* Resolving problems and business challenges

## Services for non-Canadian businesses

Global Affairs Canada (formerly the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade) also offers assistance to foreign companies interested in doing business in Canada. The Invest in Canada bureau is tasked with promoting, attracting and retaining foreign direct investment in Canada.

## History

Created in 1894, the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) has 125 years of experience helping Canadian companies succeed in foreign markets by promoting the economic interests of Canada in the global marketplace.

Since Canada's first Trade Commissioner's posting to Australia in 1895, the role of the TCS has become increasingly critical and of higher value within an ever evolving global economy. Canada's active and successful participation in the global economy impacts all Canadians. Consider that a fifth of all jobs in this country are directly linked to international trade and half of what we manufacture in Canada is exported.

