EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville recently hosted a high-level delegation from the Québec Government Office in Chicago, reinforcing its commitment to international collaboration and economic partnership development. The visit focused on identifying opportunities for cooperation across key industries, including transportation, logistics, aerospace, and professional services.
Coordinated by the SIUE Small Business Development Center (SBDC) International Trade Center (ITC), the visit brought together SIUE leadership, regional stakeholders, including the City of Edwardsville and America’s Central Port and representatives from Québec for strategic discussions focused on cross-border collaboration, innovation and economic growth. The engagement underscored SIUE’s role as a key bridge connecting international partners with the Southern Illinois business community.
“We were honored to host this distinguished delegation and are excited to explore meaningful opportunities for collaboration in research, economic development, and cultural exchange. We look forward to continuing a truly productive and mutually beneficial relationship focused on innovation and impact for both SIUE and Quebec province,” said Elza Ibroscheva, PhD, Associate Provost at SIUE.
Throughout the visit, participants exchanged insights on advancing infrastructure, improving mobility systems and expanding global trade opportunities. The dialogue underscored the value of strengthening institutional relationships and fostering deeper commercial ties between Québec and the Midwest region.
“It was a pleasure to meet with the Québec Delegation and explore promising avenues for collaboration with SIUE Engineering, particularly in aviation and smart logistics. These conversations reflect a shared commitment to innovation, workforce development, and building cross-border partnerships that can drive impactful research and technological advancement,” Cem Karacal, PhD, Dean of the School of Engineering.
SIUE’s leadership emphasized the importance of international partnerships in driving regional growth and creating new opportunities for businesses and communities.
“This visit reflects SIUE’s growing role as a hub for international engagement and economic collaboration,” said Schneidine Louis, MIB, CGBP, Director of the SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE. “We are proud to facilitate meaningful connections that create opportunities for our regional businesses, strengthen global partnerships, and support innovation across borders.”
The visit also laid the groundwork for future collaboration, including potential business matchmaking initiatives, joint programs, and international trade missions designed to further strengthen economic ties between Illinois and Québec.
“The City of Edwardsville welcomes the chance to explore opportunities with Québec. Edwardsville and Québec have much to offer each other, and we’re excited to build that relationship while showcasing our city and University,” said James Arnold, Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Edwardsville.
The SIUE SBDC International Trade Center remains a key resource for small and medium-sized enterprises seeking to expand internationally, offering services such as export counseling, market intelligence, and partnership development.
For more information about SIUE’s international programs and services, visit International-Trade-Center@
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater. A premier metropolitan university, SIUE is creating social and economic mobility for individuals while also powering the workforce of the future. Built on the foundation of a broad-based liberal education, and enhanced by hands-on research and real-world experiences, the academic preparation SIUE students receive equips them to thrive in the global marketplace and make our communities better places to live. Home to a diverse student body, SIUE is situated on 2,660 acres of beautiful woodland atop the bluffs overlooking the natural beauty of the Mississippi River’s rich bottomland and only a short drive from downtown St. Louis.?
