CCBC’s 41st AGM Business Forum and Dinner

CCBC’s Business Forum brought together some of the most experienced Canadian and Chinese business leaders. Panel discussions examined current topic areas as well as opportunities and obstacles in bilateral business. Forum attendees were able to network throughout the day to encourage business introductions and exchange experiences.

XU Kunlin
Vice Mayor of Shanghai

The Honourable Stephen McNeil
Premier of Nova Scotia

Graham Shantz
President, CCBC

Stewart Beck
President and CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation

Session 1 – An Update on Canada’s Investment Environment
What is the latest status of Canadian investment opportunities? Which sectors are most appealing to, and accepting of, Chinese investment? What are the best approaches to ensure investment success?

(R to L)
The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Counsel, DS Lawyers Canada LLP
Grand Chief Edward John (Akile Ch’oh), Hereditary Chief of TI’azt’en Nation
LI Donghui (Daniel), Executive VP & CFO, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
Ian McKay, CEO, Invest in Canada

Session 2 – Going After Growth
Global investment has been flowing into a variety of sectors that embody China’s new economy. Market acceptance of a product or service can mean rapid expansion. How are companies structuring, partnering, and funding themselves to succeed in emerging sectors like healthcare and entertainment? And how are Canadian firms finding acceptance in a competitive marketplace?

(R to L)
Dr. LUO Xiaovin (Ken), SVP & CMO, More Health Information & Technology Group Co., Ltd. and COO, Canada Wellness Institute (China)
Carrie Solmundson, President and CEO, Chronic Disease Research Innovation Centre, Seven Oaks General Hospital (SOGH), Wellness Institute at SOGH
Mary Boyd (Moderator), Director, Economist Corporate Network Shanghai, The Economist Group
Jim Athanasopoulos, Executive Director, CFO, and COO, Imax China

Session 3 – The Canada Brand: Making the Most of China’s Consumption Shift
From food to fashion, Canadian products appeal to Chinese consumers. How are Canadian companies keeping pace with the rest of the world in satisfying these consumers? How are interlinked supply chains and global sales channels creating opportunities?

(R to L)
The Honourable Scott Brison, Vice Chair, BMO Capital Markets
LU Yongchen, CEO, Tim Hortons China
ZHANG Yongjiu, Vice President, Feihe International Inc.

Session 4 – Investing and Operating in the Yangtze River Delta
The Yangtze River Delta (YRD) comprises 20% of China’s GDP and is transforming into a world-class city cluster. Hear from companies that have made the YRD their base for investment or sales. Why did they choose the region, and what role does the YRD play in their business in China?

(R to L)
Goldy Hyder, President and CEO, Business Council of Canada
Henry Huang, Group President, Linamar Asia Pacific Group
Stuart Mercier, Managing Director, Head of Asia, Brookfield
Jose Jacinto Monge, Managing Director, North-Asia, Bell, Textron Inc.

CCBC’s AGM Business Dinner was the highlight of the AGM. We were delighted that Dominic Barton, Canada’s Ambassador to China, met every guest who attended the dinner by walking from table to table greeting and shaking hands. We were also very pleased that Ailian CHEN, Chair of the Board of Directors of Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, and Barry McInerney, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mackenzie Investments, were guest speakers during the evening.

See more AGM Business Dinner photos on Flickr!