FDI Report 2020 — Future outlook

Home
Future outlook

Bright future for foreign direct investment in Canada

Global investors continue to recognize Canada’s strengths. In 2020, industries such as trade and transportation, and finance and insurance, exceeded their 10-year averages. Canada also received important investments in cybersecurity, health sciences and agri-food. New and ongoing investments in gaming and medical technology will build on Canada’s existing strengths in technology and life sciences.

Other positive indicators

Canada is well known for our economic stability and successful recovery from past crises. We are the only G7 country to see several years of consecutive growth in FDI inflows following the 1990–1992 recession, the 2002–2004 SARS related downturn and the 2008–2009 global financial crisis. If FDI stock growth in the COVID-19 pandemic reflects growth during SARS or the most recent financial crisis, FDI stock growth could begin to accelerate as early as 2021 and exceed pre-crisis levels in 2022.

In recent years, Canadian businesses have successfully adapted to the changing needs of global consumers. Highlights include:

Producing plant-based proteins to fill a greater global demand for meat alternatives
Developing new technologies and applications for hydrogen
Building a supply chain to produce batteries for electric vehicles

Opportunities like these create excitement among global investors and help these industries take root and grow in Canadian communities.

Learn more

FDI growth sectors in 2020

Industries that exceeded their 10-year averages in 2020:

Trade & transportation

+0.0%

Finance & insurance

+0.0%

Other industries

+0%

Text version

Numbers that show the industries that are attracting greater foreign investment to Canada and exceeded their 10-year averages in 2020. Source: Statistics Canada

INVEST IN CANADA INTEL

Towards a greener future

Canada continues to stand out in the eyes of global investors because of its ambitious climate agenda, highly skilled workforce and continued investments in green technology and infrastructure. In a tumultuous world, it’s no surprise they are choosing Canada as a safe place to invest in everything from agri-food to cleantech.