adplus-dvertising
Connect with us

Investment

Revamped approach to foreign direct investment could boost COVID-19 economic recovery

Published

 on

Digital generated image of closeup black digital circuit board with glowing parts and processor in the middle.

Canada needs to reconsider its approach to foreign direct investment (FDI) in the innovation sector as part of a COVID-19 recovery plan, industry experts say.

<p class=”canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm” type=”text” content=”The Canadian Council of Innovators’ latest report, titled a “Plan for Economic Recovery and Reorientation,” highlights eight recommendations from the tech sector on how to give a boost to Canada’s economy.&nbsp;” data-reactid=”24″>The Canadian Council of Innovators’ latest report, titled a “Plan for Economic Recovery and Reorientation,” highlights eight recommendations from the tech sector on how to give a boost to Canada’s economy.

The eight recommendations range from introducing better return to work policies, revisiting the analytical framework for FDI, and increasing Canada’s IP capacity to help capture COVID-19 related R&D.

Ben Bergen, executive director of the CCI, said in an interview that FDI has typically benefitted specific industries that rely on supply chains. This model isn’t applicable to most tech companies.

300x250x1

“If Canada wants to create a wealth and prosperity strategy from innovation, it has to be in the ownership of the IP and the data that’s generated from headquartered Canadian companies.

“What you see in FDI when it comes to large tech companies is that there are not those supply chains. Google opens an office in Toronto, it’s not like there’s a supply chain of domestic firms into Google. You’re not getting that knockoff effect,” he said.

Bergen added that the government also looks into FDI as a form of job creation, but says the tech sector predominantly has “negative unemployment,” which means there are thousands of jobs to fill.

“Really, all you’re doing is in a lot of ways, taking away talent opportunities from your own domestic firms by supporting FDI,” he said.

The report indicated that as part of the COVID-19 recovery plan, the government needs to help local firms that are working to help find solutions to the global pandemic.

“Throughout the pandemic, Canadian technology companies operating in the healthcare, education, remote work, and enterprise sectors have actively provided their services and products to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in Canada,” the report said.

Despite the contribution Canadian tech firms have made, the report adds that Canada has “featured incentivizing the expansion of foreign tech branch plants across Canada over developing strategies to grow domestic innovators.”

<h2 class=”canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm” type=”text” content=”Government should conduct study into FDI” data-reactid=”34″>Government should conduct study into FDI

Bergen noted that revisiting the FDI framework would mean doing a proper government study on the spillover effects of FDI.

“We’ve called for the federal government to do a proper study,” he said. “A full approach needs to be brought in to understand what is the actual negative outputs that are coming from FDI.”

<p class=”canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm” type=”text” content=”Dan Ciuriak, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), said in an interview that there is a net benefit test in the Investment Canada Act, but is only applied for investments that surpass a certain threshold. The test was used when Australia-based BHP Billiton tried to take over PotashCorp of Saskatchewan in 1975.” data-reactid=”37″>Dan Ciuriak, Senior Fellow, Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), said in an interview that there is a net benefit test in the Investment Canada Act, but is only applied for investments that surpass a certain threshold. The test was used when Australia-based BHP Billiton tried to take over PotashCorp of Saskatchewan in 1975.

Agreeing with Bergen, Ciuriak said FDI typically hasn’t seen incremental benefits in the tech sector and it would be worthwhile for the government to conduct more research. He added that it might be worth instituting a “formal process notification” for foreign companies coming into Canada.

“[This would indicate] what your plan is… [and] emphasizes having an IP plan, making sure that if the Canadian government is putting money in, then you want the intellectual property to somehow remain in Canada,” he said.

<h2 class=”canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm” type=”text” content=”Technology flow is out of Canada” data-reactid=”40″>Technology flow is out of Canada

Ciuriak says FDI is a net positive in some industries, but it is trickier to evaluate in the tech sector “because a lot of the technology flow is now out of Canada.”

“When a company invests in an innovation sector, for example, a U.S.-based company, they may wind up extracting the key innovation resources and taking them abroad,” he said.

Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government hasn’t shied away from investing in foreign companies to set up shop in the country in order to create jobs. In January, the government invested $50 million in U.S.-based MasterCard to build a cybersecurity centre, and in the past even pushed for Amazon to open its second headquarters in Toronto.

<p class=”canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm” type=”text” content=”The MasterCard deal was widely criticized, with some arguing that the company had enough of its own capital to develop the centre without government aid. The federal government said investment would create jobs for Canadians.&nbsp;” data-reactid=”44″>The MasterCard deal was widely criticized, with some arguing that the company had enough of its own capital to develop the centre without government aid. The federal government said investment would create jobs for Canadians.

“This will make Canada a world leader in cybersecurity and help us tackle the cost of cybercrime in Canada – an estimated $3 billion a year,” Innovation Minister Navdeep Bains said at the time.

<p class=”canvas-atom canvas-text Mb(1.0em) Mb(0)–sm Mt(0.8em)–sm” type=”text” content=”Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;and&nbsp;Android&nbsp;and sign up for the&nbsp;Yahoo Finance Canada Weekly Brief.&nbsp;” data-reactid=”46″>Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android and sign up for the Yahoo Finance Canada Weekly Brief.

Source:- Yahoo Canada Sports

Source link

Continue Reading

Investment

MOF: Govt to establish high-level facilitation platform to oversee potential, approved strategic investments

Published

 on

KUALA LUMPUR: A meeting with 70 financial fund investors and corporate members at the recently concluded Joint Investors Meeting in London has touched on the MADANI government’s immediate action to stimulate strategic investment in important technologies, according to the Ministry of Finance (MoF).

In a statement today, it said that the government is serious about making investments a national agenda through the establishment of a high-level investment facilitation platform to ensure the implementation of potential and approved strategic investments through a “Whole of Government” approach.

Minister of Finance II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan (pix), who led the Malaysian delegation to the Joint Investors Meeting from April 20 to 22, said that the National Investment Council (MPN) chaired by the Prime Minister is an integrated action that reflects how serious the government is in making Malaysia an investment hub in the region.

Among the immediate actions taken by the government is establishing the National Semiconductor Strategic Committee (NSSTF) to facilitate cooperation between the government, industry players, universities, and relevant stakeholders to place the Malaysian semiconductor industry at the forefront and ensure the continued growth of the electronics & electrical industry, especially the semiconductor sector, as a major contributor to the Malaysian economy.

300x250x1

The government also aims to empower Malaysia as a preferred green investment destination as well as remove barriers and bureaucracy in the provision and accessibility to renewable energy, especially for the new technology industry, including data centres, said Amir Hamzah.

He also said that the country’s investment prospects have reached an extraordinary level, with approved investments surging to RM329.5 billion in 2023 from RM268 billion in 2022.

He said about 74 per cent of manufacturing projects approved between 2021 and 2023 have been completed or are in process.

In addition, Amir Hamzah said the greater initial stage construction work completed in 2023 (RM31.5 billion) and 2022 (RM26.3 billion) shows a positive trend for future investment opportunities.

“From a total of 5,101 investment projects approved in 2023, as many as 81.2 per cent or 4,143 projects are in the services sector, 883 projects in the manufacturing sector, and 75 projects in other related sectors,” he said.

Before this, Amir Hamzah met with international investors in New York and Washington to clarify the direction of the implementation of the MADANI Economic framework to improve investors’ confidence in Malaysia’s economic level and strengthen the perception and investment sentiment of foreign investors towards the country.

Adblock test (Why?)

728x90x4

Source link

Continue Reading

Investment

Want $1 Million in Retirement? Invest $15000 in These 3 Stocks

Published

 on

Compound interest is a thing of magic. It’s also one of your best bets if you’re looking to retire rich.

It might take time and patience but there’s not a whole lot of heavy lifting when it comes to a buy-and-hold investment strategy. What matters most is having decades of time in front of you, which will allow you to maximize the benefits of compounded returns. And, of course, choosing the right investments is equally important.

The magic of compound interest

With a decent return, building a million-dollar portfolio might not be as hard as you think. An initial investment of $15,000, returning 15% annually, would be worth just shy of $1 million in 30 years.

First off, 30 years is a long time, which means you’ll need to be planning your retirement far in advance. However, all it takes is one initial investment of $15,000 and the right stocks to build a $1 million portfolio.

300x250x1

Additionally, it’s important to remain realistic and acknowledge that a stock returning 15% annually is not exactly common. That being said, the TSX certainly has its share of dependable companies with track records of returning far more than just 15% per year.

I’ve put together a list of three Canadian stocks that are perfect for hands-off investors who are looking to retire rich.

Constellation Software

It will require a steep initial investment, but Constellation Software (TSX:CSU) is well worth its nearly $4,000-a-share price tag. When it comes to market-crushing returns, the tech stock has been in a league of its own over the past two decades.

Even as the company is now valued at a massive market cap of close to $80 billion, the impressive returns have continued. Shares are up more than 200% over the past five years. That’s good enough for a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25%.

At a 25% annual return, a $15,000 investment would be worth a whopping $12 million in 30 years.

Descartes Systems

Descartes Systems (TSX:DSG) is another tech stock that’s no stranger to delivering market-beating returns. The company is also only valued at a market cap of $10 billion, leaving plenty of room for growth in the coming decades.

There’s a reason why Descartes Systems is one of the few tech stocks trading near all-time highs today. This stock is a proven winner, with lots of growth left in the tank.

Over the past five years, the stock has had a CAGR just shy of 20%.

goeasy

The last pick on my list is a beaten-down growth stock that’s trading at a serious discount.

The consumer-facing financial services provider has been hit by short-term headwinds from sky-high interest rates. With potential rate cuts around the corner though, now could be an excellent time to be loading up on goeasy (TSX:GSY).

Even with shares down 25% from all-time highs, the stock is still nearing a return of 300% over the past five years.

goeasy was crushing the market’s returns before the recent spike in interest rates, and there’s no reason to believe why the company won’t continue to do so for years to come.

Adblock test (Why?)

728x90x4

Source link

Continue Reading

Investment

FLAGSHIP COMMUNITIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST ANNOUNCES CLOSING OF APPROXIMATELY US

Published

 on

TORONTO, April 24, 2024 /CNW/ – Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust (the “REIT” or “Flagship“) (TSX: MHC.U) (TSX: MHC.UN) announced today that it has completed its previously announced public offering (the “Offering“) of 3,910,000 trust units (the “Units“) on a bought deal basis at a price of US$15.35 per Unit for total gross proceeds to the REIT of approximately US$60 million.

The Offering was completed through a syndicate of underwriters co-led by BMO Capital Markets and Canaccord Genuity Corp.

ADVERTISEMENT

The REIT intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering to fund a portion of the approximately US$93 million aggregate purchase price for the REIT’s previously announced acquisition of seven manufactured housing communities comprising 1,253 lots (the “Acquisitions“) and for general business purposes. In the event the REIT is unable to consummate one or both of the Acquisitions, the REIT intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to fund future acquisitions and for general business purposes.

300x250x1

The REIT has also granted the underwriters an over-allotment option to purchase up to an additional 586,500 Units on the same terms and conditions, exercisable at any time, in whole or in part, up to 30 days after the date hereof.

About Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust

Flagship Communities Real Estate Investment Trust is a leading operator of affordable residential Manufactured Housing Communities primarily serving working families seeking affordable home ownership. The REIT owns and operates exceptional residential living experiences and investment opportunities in family-oriented communities in Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. To learn more about Flagship, visit www.flagshipcommunities.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains statements that include forward-looking information (within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws). Forward-looking statements are identified by words such as “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “will”, “may”, “can”, “could”, “would”, “must”, “estimate”, “target”, “objective”, and other similar expressions, or negative versions thereof, and include statements herein concerning the use of the net proceeds of the Offering.

These forward-looking statements are based on the REIT’s expectations, estimates, forecasts and projections, as well as assumptions that are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in such forward-looking statements. While considered reasonable by management of the REIT as at the date of this news release, any of these expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, or assumptions could prove to be inaccurate, and as a result, the forward-looking statements based on those expectations, estimates, forecasts, projections, or assumptions could be incorrect. Material factors and assumptions used by management of the REIT to develop the forward-looking information in this news release include, but are not limited to, that the conditions to closing of the Acquisitions will be met or waived in a timely manner and that both of the Acquisitions will be completed on the current agreed upon terms.

When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, the REIT cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as they are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties that are difficult to control or predict. A number of factors, many of which are beyond the REIT’s control, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements, such as the risks identified in the REIT’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 available on the REIT’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com, including, but not limited to, the factors discussed under the heading “Risks and Uncertainties” therein and the risk of the REIT’s plans with respect to debt bridge financing for the Acquisitions not being achieved as anticipated. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate as actual outcomes and results may differ materially from those expressed in these forward-looking statements. Readers, therefore, should not place undue reliance on any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and, except as expressly required by applicable Canadian securities laws, the REIT assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Adblock test (Why?)

728x90x4

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending