The Do's and Don’ts of Canadian Business Culture. Practical Tips for Ukrainian Companies

The CUTIS project and the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce (CUCC) held a virtual round table for small and medium-sized businesses.

From the record, SMEs may learn how socially responsible business best practices can help SMEs to develop long-lasting relationships with Canadian business partners.

Maria Guzman, Trade Facilitation Office (TFO)’s International Trade Expert, explained:
• How to build trust and sustainable business relations with Canadian buyers?
• With cultural differences among buyers, what makes Canadian buyers unique compared to EU and US buyers?
• Dos and Don’ts in communicating with Canadian buyers: Learning from experience

Michael Hopkins, International CSR Expert, Director of MHC International Ltd, discussed CSR standards and best examples in FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sectors in North America.
The participants may learn:
• What are the three main factors that buyers look for in potential suppliers?
• What are the business risks of ignoring CSR?
• Does CSR help to differentiate a supplier’s product brand?

Olga Shtepa, CUTIS project coordinator, described what are the main lessons learned for Ukrainian SMEs in dealing with Canadian buyers (based on CUTIS experience)?

Moreover, Ukrainian SMEs who have already successfully implemented CSR practices shared their stories of entering new markets and dealing with international buyers’ audits during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emma Turos, Managing Director of the Canada-Ukraine Chamber of Commerce, described the benefits of CUCC business practices and services for members and supporters on the Canadian market.