Consul General of Canada Louise Blais visited Troy and CGI Wednesday for the purpose of reinforcing key links with Alabama’s largest international trading partner.

Blais serves as Canada’s senior diplomat for the Southeastern United States including the states of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

Canada is Alabama’s largest international trading partner. In 2014, bilateral trade between Canada and Alabama was 6.4 billion. More than 111,000 Alabama jobs are linked to the state’s trade with Canada.

George Tarbox, director of operations for CGI, a Canadian-based company, welcomed the Consul General to CGI Wednesday afternoon. He expressed appreciation to Blais for her interest in CGI and its relationship with the City of Troy and Troy University.

The Consul General said visits such as the one to Troy provide her with opportunities to see first-hand the working relationship between cities, companies and universities.

“I also look for investment opportunities for other companies,” she said. “I am delighted to see the opportunities companies have in this region.”

Blais said she was impressed with the way local government has provided an environment that encourages new business, and that is conducive to business growth.”

CGI is a prime example of the growth that can be expected in that type of environment, Blais said.

CGI opened in Troy in 2010, and its initial growth was rapid and is continual.

A large number of Canadian investors have made substantial commitments in the Southeastern United States. Blais said there is potential for growth in those relationships just as there has been growth as a result of the relationship between CGI, the City of Troy, Pike County Economic Development and Troy University.

She said she looks forward to continued growth as relationships between government and business are formed and strengthened.

Troy Mayor Jason A. Reeves said Consul General Louise Blais’ visit was one of the highlights of his time as mayor.

“It was an incredible honor to have Consul General Blais visit Troy and CGI,” Reeves said. “The Consul General’s visit validates the remarkable relationship the City of Troy has with business. CGI is growing rapidly and with an expansion of 10,000 square feet. This growth validates what the city is doing to encourage new business and growth. And, it tells others that the City of Troy is open for business and that Troy understands what it takes to be successful.”

Reeves said CGI is the kind of business that Troy seeks to attract.

“The partnership between the City of Troy and CGI has been a win/win partnership,” he said. “CGI provides opportunities for entry-level jobs as well as high-level technical jobs. CGI provides the kind of jobs that attract people to our area, and it provides jobs that allow people to stay at home in Troy and Pike County.”

Reeves said the goal of the City of Troy is to give those who want to live and work in the area the opportunity to do so.

A footnote to the Consul General’s visit to Troy and CGI is that Canada and the United States trade $759 billion in goods and services.

That’s an average of $1.4 million in bilateral goods and services crossing the boarder every minute of the day.

On average, Canadian goods sold in the United States contain 25 percent American content. Nearly 9 million United States jobs depend on trade and investment with Canada.

Those numbers highlight the importance of Alabama’s relationship with Canada.