CCBC 2025 Canadian Agri-Food Mission to China
Deepening Partnerships and Expanding Market Engagement
November 2 -7, 2025
Strengthening Presence. Building Partnerships. Growing Opportunity
Mission registration is now closed.
For inquiries, please contact Lotta Ygartua, lotta@ccbc.com, Regional Director, Western Canada
Canada’s agri-food sector is a vital pillar of the national economy, contributing $143.8 billion annually—around 7% of GDP. China remains one of Canada’s most important and strategic export markets. As global competition intensifies and market access challenges persist, it is critical for Canadian agri-food exporters to strengthen their presence and partnerships in China.
We are entering a new era of opportunity, marked by renewed momentum in Canada-China relations. The recent dialogue between Prime Minister Carney and Chinese Premier Li Qiang and their decision to resume high level government-to-government dialogues to resolve outstanding trade issues, signal a positive shift towards reviving economic cooperation. Building on this momentum, the Canadian Agri-Food Mission to China is a timely initiative that aims to demonstrate Canada’s commitment to the Chinese market, foster deeper partnerships, and enhance market engagement for Canadian agri-food exporters, while leveraging key government and industry relationships to unlock new opportunities.
This mission offers a unique opportunity to align, engage, and grow within China’s evolving agri-food landscape. It is also a critical moment for the Canadian business community to demonstrate its collective commitment to supporting exports to China and advocating for fair and reciprocal market access. Join us in advancing Canada’s agri-food leadership in China.
We are pleased to announce that Chris White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office (CMAO) & Canada Pork, has accepted the role of Chair for the Agri-Food Mission.
Christopher White
President and CEO
Canadian Meat Advocacy Office (CMAO) & Canada Pork
CCBC 2025 Canadian Agri-Food Mission to China Mission Chair
Biography
Christopher White is President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office (CMAO) & Canada Pork. Mr. White has been in his role at CMC since 2017 and has recently taken on a leadership role with CP as the two organizations become more unified.
Early on in his career, Mr. White spent over a decade working on Parliament Hill, including time as a special assistant to the Honourable Paul Martin, while he was the finance minister, and served as a Chief of Staff to five federal Cabinet Ministers under the governments of Jean Chrétien and Paul Martin. After leaving government, he worked in the insurance, financial and auto sector as Vice President of Government Relations. He also for a time worked for Right to Play, which built off his time working in India and Bangladesh as an administrator for a Canadian NGO.
Mr. White holds a Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Windsor as well as a Graduate Diploma and an Honours BA from the University of Ottawa. He is a father of five and lives in Ottawa, Ontario, with his wife and children. Mr. White remains very active outside of work and he is an avid supporter of Special Olympics Canada.
- Strengthen market connections and advocate for improved market access through engagement with industry and key government stakeholders.
- Leverage and amplify a unified Canadian presence at key events like CCBC’s 47th AGM and Business Forum in Beijing and the China International Import Export (CIIE) in Shanghai.
- Gain Market Intelligence: Equip delegates with valuable insights through curated meetings, participation at the CIIE, and briefings focused on market trends, consumer demand, and regulatory developments.
- Expand Business Networks: Build new relationships and deepen existing partnerships with Chinese counterparts through tailored networking opportunities and sector-specific engagements.
We aim to reinforce the Canadian agri-food sector’s presence and advocate for greater access by showcasing long-term collaboration, sector strengths, and innovation—positioning Canada as a trusted, high-quality supplier to the Chinese market. At the same time, we will strengthen strategic partnerships through meaningful engagement with key stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, and potential buyers, to support sustained business development. By uniting Canadian agri-food stakeholders under a cohesive national brand, we will enhance visibility, credibility, and collective impact in China.
Tentative timelines (Detailed program available in August/September 2025)
| October 8th (morning) | Online – Pre-mission workshop to equip delegates on logistics, the market, business/cultural training, and more. |
| November 2nd (Sun) | Beijing – Mission delegates gathering (optional) |
| November 3rd (Mon) | Beijing – CCBC Business Forum & Business Dinner, Business Meetings and Government Engagement |
| November 4th (Tue) | Transition Day – From Beijing to Shanghai |
| November 5th (Wed) | Shanghai – Business Visits and Meetings |
| November 6th (Thu) | Shanghai – CIIE participation/Business Roundtable |
| November 7th (Fri) | Shanghai – CIIE participation |
Up to 12 executives from Canadian agri-food companies and industry councils with active or emerging interests in the China market.
Price includes access to all visits, meetings, and events; most networking lunches and dinners; complimentary access to CCBC’s 47th AGM Business Forum and Business Dinner in Beijing, and local transportation. Delegates are required to pay their own airfare, travel between Beijing and Shanghai, hotels and some meals. CCBC will provide a discounted rate at Air Canada flights and a preferred hotel.
Mission Cost:
- CCBC Member: C$1,500 per delegate
- Non-member: C$2,500 per delegate
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lotta Ygartua, Regional Director, Western Canada at lotta@ccbc.com