Canadian companies searching for untapped potential should look beyond traditional developed markets and consider the potential of emerging markets—what we call "markets of opportunity."


Many emerging markets offer lucrative, untapped business prospects, if assessed carefully. How can you determine if a market is a good fit for your business? By using specific quantitative indicators that, when bundled together, give you an overall snapshot of market potential compared to your company’s capabilities.

Our country analysts have identified the top three emerging countries by region using these criteria (out of 113 reviewed within the markets of opportunity).

The main indicators include:

  • Country risk
  • Ease of doing business
  • Ease of access
  • Demand and Canadian supply

 

 

Latin America and the Caribbean

A famous Chilean sculpture of a giant hand reaching out of the sand.

Chile

With one of the most liberal foreign investment regimes in the world, Chile is an ideal market for Canadian exporters.


 

A child with a headdress on peeking out from behind a door and smiling.

Panama

A major logistical hub, Panama is headquarters to a growing number of private sector firms and international agencies.
 

A child with a headdress on peeking out from behind a door and smiling.

Panama

A major logistical hub, Panama is headquarters to a growing number of private sector firms and international agencies.
 


 

A port city with several sky scrapers and a busy boating area is seen from high above.

Uruguay

Business in Uruguay is strengthened by its stable economic and political environment, strong bank supervision and high levels of international reserves.

A port city with several sky scrapers and a busy boating area is seen from high above.

Uruguay

Business in Uruguay is strengthened by its stable economic and political environment, strong bank supervision and high levels of international reserves.

 

 

Asia

Sun falls on a woman wearing a beautiful pink sari.

India

Among the world’s fastest growing economies, India attracts foreign investment with competitive labour costs, high-potential markets and a skilled workforce.

 

 

The silhouette of three people against a sunset, one holding the Malaysian flag.

Malaysia

Excellent infrastructure, transport connectivity and a healthy financial sector make Malaysia a key market for many Canadian exporters.
 

The silhouette of three people against a sunset, one holding the Malaysian flag.

Malaysia

Excellent infrastructure, transport connectivity and a healthy financial sector make Malaysia a key market for many Canadian exporters.
 


 

A colourful Asian pagoda sits at the edge of a lake.

China

Home to one of the world’s largest economies and globally integrated supply chains, China is a top export destination for Canadian business.
 

A colourful Asian pagoda sits at the edge of a lake.

China

Home to one of the world’s largest economies and globally integrated supply chains, China is a top export destination for Canadian business.
 

 

 

Europe

A person wearing a backpack looks up at the Hungarian parliament buildings.

Hungary

Despite being one of the smaller countries in the EU, Hungary’s steadily growing economy provides an excellent foundation for international business.


 

The sun rises over an empty market square surrounded by old buildings.

Poland

Given its sizable population and growing middle class, Poland is becoming a growing market of interest to international businesses.
 

The sun rises over an empty market square surrounded by old buildings.

Poland

Given its sizable population and growing middle class, Poland is becoming a growing market of interest to international businesses.
 


 

A line of dancers are seen from the waist down wearing traditional clothing.

Romania

Canada’s established trade and investment relationship with Romania has created great potential for future opportunities.
 

A line of dancers are seen from the waist down wearing traditional clothing.

Romania

Canada’s established trade and investment relationship with Romania has created great potential for future opportunities.
 

 

 

Middle East and Africa

Dusk falls on the skyline of Dubai in the UAE.

United Arab Emirates

The UAE’s successful efforts at economic diversification have created a broad scope of opportunities across all sectors.

The sun sets on the distinctive skyline of Manama in Bahrain.

Bahrain

Canada’s established trade and investment relationship with Bahrain has opened business opportunities across a wide range of sectors.


 

The sun sets on the distinctive skyline of Manama in Bahrain.

Bahrain

Canada’s established trade and investment relationship with Bahrain has opened business opportunities across a wide range of sectors.


 

A view of Dota’s downtown, the capital city of Qatar.

Qatar

Qatar boasts one of the highest per capita incomes, lowest unemployment levels and real GDP growth of over 10.7% annually since 2008.

A view of Dota’s downtown, the capital city of Qatar.

Qatar

Qatar boasts one of the highest per capita incomes, lowest unemployment levels and real GDP growth of over 10.7% annually since 2008.

 

Want to speak with a trade advisor?

Call 1-888-220-0047 from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Date modified: 2019-03-20