In the context of Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), the European Union launched the EXTRA LIGHT project to strengthen the collaboration between Canada and Europe. On Tuesday, November 28, OPBA Board Chair, Victoria Mirlocca and Executive Director, Rozalyn Werner-Arcé, met with representatives of five European clusters from Austria (Biz UP), Spain (CICAT), France (Cluster Lumière & Ameublement Français) and Italy (Elca and Luce in Veneto) to discuss public procurement trends and best practices in Ontario.
EXTRA LIGHT represents over 500 European SMEs in the lighting industry (equipment, solutions, design, products, etc.). The goal of the project is to better understand the needs of Canadian public procurement organizations and understand how to better collaborate.
On behalf of the OPBA, Victoria Mirlocca, offered assurance that OPBA welcomes the opportunity to explore collaborations and partnerships. Their interest in understanding the public procurement sector and expanding their markets may result in agencies in Ontario and across Canada having improved access to new technologies, innovations, and suppliers. The delegation’s tour was facilitated by Yann Jadis of Adexia.
OPBA and representatives from EXTRA LIGHT met at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre Sportsplex in Mississauga: Pictures from felt to right are: Mary Hadidi (France – Cluster Lumière), OPBA Chair, Victoria Mirlocca; OPBA Executive Director, Rozalyn Werner-Arcé; Marta Krakowiak (Italy – Elca Cluster); Alberto Sozza (Italy – Elca Cluster); Marisol Estevan (Spain – CICAT); Isabella Mantello (Austria – BizUp); Antonella Venza (Italy – Luce in Veneto); Yann Jadis of Adexia.