Canadian Mortgage News

January 2001 National News Archive

Canadian Exporters Helped by New Russian Building Codes

OTTAWA, Ontario, April 26, 2001 — Canadian housing exporters could potentially reach a housing market of up to 400,000 units annually, thanks to Russia's recent approval of a new building code for single family housing, the first of three new housing codes.

"This is a significant step for Canadian housing technology and expertise," said Claude Poirier-Defoy, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) Vice-president, Legal Services and Corporate Secretary. "These new codes open the door for Canadian goods in the vast Russian market.

"Over the next few years, when the codes are expected to be adopted in other countries of the former Soviet Union, a potential market of 700,000 units exists. The outlook is promising for Canada's housing related industries"

The first new code, the "Russian Federation Building Code and Regulations for Single Family Housing" was recently approved. Two other codes will be released later this year, including one on light frame construction which is based on Canada's National Housing Code. Canada and Russia are also cooperating on the certification of Canadian products to Russian standards. These developments stem from a Memorandum of Understanding signed between CMHC and the State Committee of the Russian Federation for Construction and Housing.

These new codes will speed the growth of the single family housing market in Russia and will stimulate energy efficiency in new homes. By creating opportunities for the application of imported technologies, the new codes will assist Canadian companies to export building products and undertake joint venture projects with Russia.

Together with CMHC, other partners involved in helping to develop the new codes include: Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) which provided the majority of funding; Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT); National Research Council (NRC) and; Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC).

CMHC works closely with industry and other Team Canada Inc. partners to promote the excellence of Canadian housing in foreign markets, increasing export opportunities for housing products, services and expertise. CMHC also promotes the housing industry's interests around the world and acts as an official point of contact with foreign governments and organizations.

CMHC opens doors for export business by helping overcome trade barriers, supports export promotion through trade shows and missions, gathers market intelligence and encourages more firms to export.

CMHC represents Canadian quality in all areas of housing, at home and abroad.

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News source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)