Diagram illustrating the relationship between productivity, competitiveness and the ACOA mandate

Through ACOA's three program activities (Enterprise Development; Community Development; and Policy Advocacy and Coordination), the Agency focuses on the three pillars of competitiveness

• Productivity (including innovation, acquisition of technology and equipment, business skills development, and access to capital for firms and communities),
• Infrastructure support, and
• Access to international trade.

At the same time, the activities of other federal and provincial government departments contribute to the business climate, the regulatory environment, and others such as exchange rates and fiscal policy. These, in turn, also contribute to competitiveness.

Competitiveness then contributes to prosperity, and to ACOA’s mandate of increased earned incomes and employment opportunities.