Canada China Business Council (CCBC)

Canada Ready Roundtable
2025-05-29 09:30 - 12:30 (Asia/Shanghai) | Wuhu Suning Global Hotel, No. 999, Chizhushan Road, Jiujiang District, Wuhu, China
The Canada Ready Roundtable Series is designed to empower Chinese exporters to navigate and succeed in the dynamic Canadian market. This series aims to equip Chinese exporters and entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to explore alternative trade and investment opportunities in Canada.
We have chosen the city of Wuhu to host the inaugural session on May 29, 2025. Known as a thriving industrial hub, Wuhu is home to strong industry clusters in smart home appliances, auto parts, new materials, solar panels, and consumer electronics.
Event Language: Mandarin
Agenda:
9:30 am China Time: Opening Remarks
• Bank of Communications Wuhu Branch
• Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai
9:45 am China Time: Welcome remarks
• Wuhu municipal government reps
10:00 China Time: Speeches
• Mastering Canadian Marketplaces
• Intermodal Transport
• Opportunities in Alberta
• Opportunities in Saskatchewan
• Select Canada by the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS)
11:15 am China Time: Q&A
12:30 pm China Time: Event Ends
For registration, please contact Edward Dai, CCBC Regional Director for Atlantic Canada and Shanghai, at edward@ccbc.com.cn.
Address:
Wuhu Suning Global Hotel
No. 999, Chizhushan Road, Jiujiang District, Wuhu

Adapting to Change: Canada-China Business Outlook under a New Federal Government
2025-05-28 16:30 - 19:15 (America/Edmonton) | McCarthy Tétrault LLP – Calgary, 421 7th Avenue SW, Suite 4000, Calgary, Alberta, T2P 4K9, Canada
Join us on May 28 in Calgary for a dynamic Canada-China panel discussion and networking reception. This event will bring together industry leaders, key stakeholders, and decision-makers to exchange insights on the evolving Canada-China relationship. Distinguished speakers will share their perspectives on the shifting political and business landscape, exploring opportunities for collaboration and addressing critical issues affecting trade, investment, and economic partnerships.
The program will open with remarks from ZHAO Liying, Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary, followed by a panel discussion moderated by Bijan Ahmadi, CCBC’s new Executive Director and COO. Panelists include Carlo Dade, Director of International Policy at the University of Calgary and Senior Fellow at the Canada West Foundation; Joyce Lee, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault and CCBC Board Member; Philippe Rheault, Director of The China Institute at the University of Alberta; and Chris White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council and Canada Pork.
Attendees will gain key insights into recent policy changes and strategies for navigating the evolving Canada-China business landscape. The networking reception provides a great opportunity to connect with professionals and strengthen bilateral ties. Don’t miss the chance to engage with industry experts, discuss future business opportunities, and meet the new CCBC Executive Director.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $25 + tax; Non-Members: $80 + tax
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members. Click here to register.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
421 7th Avenue SW, Suite 4000
Calgary, AB
T2P 4K9
For inquiries, please contact Lotta Ygartua at lotta@ccbc.com.
Agenda:
4:30 pm MDT: Registration
5:00 pm MDT: Remarks and Panel Discussion
6:20 pm MDT: Networking
7:15 pm MDT: Event ends
About the Speakers:

ZHAO Liying
Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary
ZHAO Liying assumed her duties as Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary in January 2023. Ms. ZHAO is a career diplomat and has served in the Chinese diplomatic missions in Greece, Canada, Croatia and Egypt.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

Carlo Dade
Director of International Policy, The School of Public Policy
University of Calgary
Senior Fellow
Canada West Foundation
Carlo Dade is one of the country’s leading voices on defending and advancing western Canadian trade interests in Canada and abroad. His research and advocacy are playing a critical role in achieving better trade agreements and drawing attention to the often-neglected importance of the assets and systems critical to moving products to markets. He has a reputation for developing creative solutions to some of the major challenges facing Canadian exporters and defending Canadian interests in trade with China and the U.S.
A frequent media commentator and writer, Mr. Dade is a global expert on pan-Pacific trade, including the Trans-Pacific Partnership and Pacific Alliance trade blocs as well on agricultural issues including Right2Repair. He provides thoughtful analysis on issues surrounding North American competitiveness and Canada-Mexico relations.
CWF’s Director of Trade and Trade Infrastructure between 2013 and 2025, Mr. Dade has a long history in international public policy including as a Professional Affiliate at the Johnson Shoyama School of Public Policy at the University of Saskatchewan, as non-Resident Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., and as a member of the Mexican Council on Foreign Relations (COMEXI).

Joyce Lee
Partner
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Board Director
Canada China Business Council

Joyce Lee brings a unique perspective to her practice, skillfully uniting Canadian companies seeking Chinese investors with Chinese companies looking to expand into North America. She also regularly advises corporate executives in the financial sector about taking advantage of opportunities and navigating risk.
Born and raised in Hong Kong and with over 20 years experience working in the North American marketplace, Ms. Lee has both the cultural and business skills necessary to view potential deals from each party’s perspective. Her communication skills – she speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently – smoothly guide Asian companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors; and, the technology, life science and real estates industries.
Leadership teams from across Canada and Asia, including public companies listed on TSX, NYSE, HK Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange asset management companies and investment firms, frequently solicit Ms. Lee’s advice on how to grow their business and make strategic moves in the marketplace, whether within Canada or abroad. She has earned the trust of some of the biggest players in the industry by successfully strategizing with them on:

structuring and carrying out domestic and cross border mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations;
advising on securities regulatory issues for registrants, investment dealers and investment advisors;
advising on take-over bids (for both targets and offerors);
advising on public offerings and private placements for issuers in various industries, including mining and resources, technology, real estate development, services and education;
advising on various investment transactions of foreign companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors, automobile sector, forestry sector and technology sector;
advising on investment transactions of Canadian companies into the Greater China region;
structuring and advising on executive and employee compensation and incentive plans for Canadian and international companies; and
advising on going private transactions, corporate governance, continuous disclosure issues and proxy contests.

L. Philippe Rheault
Director
The China Institute at the University of Alberta
L. Philippe Rheault takes on the leadership of The China Institute following a 25-year career in the Canadian diplomatic service, during which he focused primarily on China and East Asia. Over the course of his career, he has been posted to the region six times, serving in Beijing, Taipei, Chongqing (twice), Mongolia, and Guangzhou. Notably, Mr. Rheault has led two of Canada’s four diplomatic missions in Mainland China: first, as Canada’s inaugural Consul General to the southwestern metropolis of Chongqing (2012–2017), and most recently as the Consul General of Canada for South China, based in Guangzhou (Canton) (2019–2023).
Over the past two and a half decades, Mr. Rheault has witnessed China’s extraordinary rise firsthand and has been directly involved in many of the key milestones shaping the evolution of Canada-China relations. His extensive network spans China, Canada, and beyond, enabling him to advise and support a diverse cross-section of top leaders across government, business, academia, and civil society.
As the new Director of The China Institute, Mr. Rheault aims to deepen Canada’s understanding of China, examine China’s role in addressing key emerging global issues, and chart paths forward for enlightened and fruitful engagement between Canada and China. He holds degrees in Philosophy, Political Science, and Law, is a member of the Québec bar, and has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law at China’s Southwest University of Political Science and Law. Mr. Rheault is frequently cited in both national and international media, has authored or co-authored several recent articles discussing Canada-China issues, teaches the advanced course on China for the Canadian Foreign Service Institute, and is professionally fluent in Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, English, and French.

Chris White
President and CEO
Canadian Meat Council, Canada Pork
Christopher White is President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) and Canada Pork (CP). 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.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

Canadian Mission to Hong Kong for International Healthcare Week
2025-05-26 - 2025-05-28 | Hong Kong
The Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA), in partnership with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) (Toronto), the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong & Macao and Invest Hong Kong (IHK) (Canada) and Life Sciences British Columbia (LSBC), with support from Export Development Canada (EDC), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, and the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) would like to invite you to join the
Canadian Mission to Hong Kong for International Healthcare Week
May 26 – 28, 2025
Mission Objective:
Coinciding with the Asia Summit on Global Health (ASGH) and HKTDC Hong Kong International Medical and Healthcare Fair (HKIMHF), the objective of the mission is to facilitate delegates in leveraging these two anchor events and others under the International Healthcare Week (IHW) to expand their contact network and discuss possibilities.
Program Highlight:
(Note: the core programme of this Canadian Mission is to attend ASGH and HKIMHF during May 26 – 28, 2025. Delegates are also encouraged to review the other IHW programmes to select events of their interest for participation and adjust their travel dates accordingly.)
ASGH Summit (May 26 – 27) – Positioned as Asia’s premier event on health innovation and investment, the fifth edition of the Summit themed “Fostering Global Collaboration for a Shared Future” a high-level symposium covering a wide range of topics from global health issues and healthcare innovation to business and investment opportunities in Asia, as well as a series of thematic sessions focusing on the latest trends in various health- and biomedical-related sectors. A series of thematic sessions focusing on the latest trends in various medical sectors as well as deal-making session will be organized to facilitate business discussion and investment partnerships. InnoHealth Showcase, a dedicated exhibition area showcasing global healthcare projects and technologies will be featured alongside the Summit.
(Note: A limited number of complimentary visitor registrations are available for members of this Canadian Mission. First-come-first-served.)
Medical and Healthcare Fair (May 26 – 28) – The Fair in 2024 brought together some 300 exhibitors from eight countries and regions, showcasing a wide range of innovative medical products and solutions and promotes global industry collaboration to position Hong Kong as a hub for medical innovation. The fair had multiple zones including Biotechnology, Hospital Equipment, Rehabilitation and Elderly Care, World of Health and Wellness, Startup Zone, the Fair.
(Note: The Mission Manager, Martin So, will work with members of this Canadian Mission to pre-register for this Fair.)
The International Healthcare Week https://internationalhealthcareweek.hktdc.com/en/ (May 26 – June 15, 2025) is an initiative synergizing healthcare related events in Hong Kong to facilitate more cross-disciplinary collaboration between industry players and interlocutors. It will include conferences, seminars, webinars, roundtable meetings, networking activities, etc., to examine global trends in health innovation and investment, explore areas of global collaboration in the health arena, and showcase new business opportunities and partnership for investors and project owners.
(Note: Members of this Canadian Mission interested to participate in any of the IHW events other than ASGH and HKIMHF are required to register with the organizers of these events directly.)
Who should attend:
• Canadian Business Leaders and Industry Players from the Healthcare Sectors
 Biotechnology
 Medical Devices
 Hospital and healthcare services
 Pharmaceutical, etc.
• Investors and Financial Service Professionals
• Professional Services Providers
• Innovation and Technology Companies, Start-ups and Entrepreneurs
 AI
 Robotics
 Big data
 Telehealth, etc.
 Cybersecurity
• Government Officials and Regulators
• R&D Institutions, Incubation Centres, Science/Biotechnology Parks and Laboratories
• Researchers, Academics, and Medical Professionals
Participation Fee:
• The standard registration fee for ASGH is US$835. A limited number of complimentary Standard Passes are available for members of this Canadian Mission, first-come-first-served.
• Visitor registration for HKIMHF is free of charge but pre-registration is required.
• Delegates will be responsible for their travel and incidental expenses and arrangements.
To register for this mission and detailed arrangements, please contact the Mission Manager: Martin So, Marketing Manager, Hong Kong Trade Development Council Toronto Office Email: martin.ch.so@hktdc.org Tel: +1 416-366-8629.
Canadian Trade Commissioner Service
Canadian companies that qualify as Trade Commissioner clients and are interested in expanding to Hong Kong/Macao markets can enjoy the services offered by the Trade Commissioner office at the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, including market potential assessment, referral of qualified contacts, problem solving etc. Please contact Jaclyn Chan, Trade Commissioner responsible for Life Sciences at the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong at Email: Jaclyn.Chan@international.gc.ca.
Click the link below for more information:
ASGH2025 Canadian Mission Announcement (March 17 version)

Canada-China Business Relations: Outlook Under a New Government
2025-05-13 15:00 - 16:15 (America/Toronto) | Zoom Webinar
As Canada navigates an increasingly complex and rapidly evolving global landscape, the future of its relationship with China remains a matter of national and international significance. With a new government in Ottawa, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) is pleased to host this timely webinar to explore the potential for a recalibration of bilateral ties and to examine the implications for Canadian businesses and the broader economic landscape.
The discussion will assess ongoing challenges in Canada-China relations, as well as the growing trade complexities Canada faces with the United States — and the impact these developments may have on Canada’s trade and business relations with China.
To unpack these critical issues, we are pleased to present a distinguished panel of experts with extensive experience in both the business and policy arenas:
Panelists:

Gwen Burrows, Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact, University of Toronto
The Honourable Martin Cauchon, Former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada; Vice-Chair, CCBC Board of Directors; Counsel, DS Lawyers Canada LLP
Paul Evans, Professor Emeritus, School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, University of British Columbia
Constantine Karayannopoulos, Former President and CEO, Neo Performance Materials Inc.; CCBC Board Director

Moderator:

Stephen Wortley, Partner, DLA Piper (Canada) and DLA Piper (US); CCBC Board Director

Welcome Remarks:

Bijan Ahmadi, Executive Director and COO, CCBC

This webinar is free of charge and open to the public. We invite all interested participants to join this important discussion on the evolving dynamics of Canada-China relations and the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Tickets:
Free for CCBC Members and Non-Members.
Click here to register.
Pre-registration is required. Upon successful registration, you will receive a confirmation email with the link to join the webinar. Please check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive the email promptly.
About the Speakers:
Gwen Burrows
Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact
University of Toronto
Gwen Burrows is Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement & Impact at the University of Toronto (U of T). She collaborates with colleagues across the university and internationally to advance U of T’s global excellence and impact in research, its translation, and in teaching and learning. She has an integral role in leading and executing the university’s international strategy across multiple dimensions, with a particular focus on region-specific engagement strategies and the development of partnerships to maximize global impact and advance U of T’s role and reputation as one of the world’s top universities.
Before being appointed the inaugural Assistant Vice-President, International Engagement and Impact in June 2022, Ms. Burrows served as Executive Director, International, with responsibility for developing and leading a team on the implementation of U of T’s first international strategic plan. She has led the development of key international partnerships in a number of regions around the world. In particular, she played a leadership role in the development of the recently launched Health Collaborative Network with eight universities in Africa.
Before joining the University of Toronto, Ms. Burrows served in various leadership roles at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). From 2014-17, she was the Executive Director, Communications, Public Affairs and Advocacy at SickKids. From 2006-2013, she was Director of Strategic Projects at the SickKids Research Institute. In that role, Ms. Burrows was part of a small team that led a successful $227-million Canada Foundation for Innovation grant proposal and its implementation to support the vision guiding the development of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning.
Ms. Burrows began her career at SickKids in 1997 in the Foundation’s National Grants Program, a Canada-wide funding program for child health research. There she held the role of Director, National Grants Program, for five years, where she led a peer-reviewed granting program which supported child health researchers across the country.
Ms. Burrows has been an active volunteer in the charitable sector, including as President for the Couchiching Institute on Public Affairs from 2009-2011. She holds a Master’s in Philosophy from Johns Hopkins and a BA from McGill University.

The Honourable Martin Cauchon, P.C., LL.M., ICD.D, Ad. E.
Counsel
DS Lawyers Canada LLP
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors
Canada China Business Council
Martin Cauchon has had a distinguished career. First elected as a Member of Parliament in October 1993, he has held many positions in the Government of Canada. He has served as Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), Minister of National Revenue, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. In 2013, he was an official candidate in the leadership race of the Liberal Party of Canada. From 2015 to 2019, he was also a shareholder and Executive Chairman of Groupe Capitales Médias, which gave him a better understanding of the challenges facing the print media in a digital world.
Mr. Cauchon’s unparalleled experience in government and the private sector has given him a deep understanding of a wide range of issues. As counsel at DS Lawyers Canada, he advises companies on the various issues facing the knowledge economy and the globalization of markets, taking into account geopolitical factors. Mr. Cauchon also facilitates the creation of partnerships at the provincial, national, and international levels.
Having established relationships with several counterparts in China, Martin Cauchon has acquired a good knowledge of that market, which allows him to intervene in projects that are related to the Canada-China relationship.
After obtaining a law degree from the University of Ottawa, Mr. Cauchon became a member of the Quebec Bar in 1985 and completed a master degree in International Business Law in 1991, at the University of Exeter, in England. He was the 2004 recipient of the Equality Forum’s International Role Model Award. In 2015, he received the honorary distinction of “Advocatus emeritus” and “Le Mérite” from the Quebec Bar. He is also Vice Chair, Board of Directors of the Canada China Business Council and Chair of its Quebec Chapter Advisory Council. He also serves on the board of directors of several companies.

Paul Evans
Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Paul Evans (PhD with distinction Dalhousie University 1982) retired from UBC in June 2023 after 43 years of university teaching. He is currently Professor Emeritus.
His academic appointments have been as follows:

Assistant Professor, Acadia University, 1980-81
Assistant, Associate and Professor, Department of Political Science, York University, 1981-97;
Director, University of Toronto – York University Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, 1991-96;
Visiting Professor, Asia Center, Harvard University, 1997-99;
Acting Director, Liu Institute for Global Issues, 2004-5;
Director, Institute of Asian Research, 2008-11 and 2014;
Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong, 2011 and 2013;
Visiting Professor and Head of the International Academic Advisory Panel to the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, 2013-16.
Visiting Pok Rafeah Chair, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 2022-23.

Between 2005 and 2008, he was seconded from UBC to serve as the Co-CEO and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. And between 2020 and 2023 he held the HSBC Chair in Asian Research at UBC.
A regionalist rather than country specialist, he has held visiting fellowships at the Australian National University (1988); National Chengchi University in Taiwan (1989); Chulalongkorn University (1989); the East-West Center (1995); and the National Institute for Research Advancement in Tokyo (1999) and spoken at more than fifty universities and think tanks across the region.
An advocate of cooperative and human security, he has been studying and promoting policy-related activity on track-two security processes and the construction of multilateral institutions since 1988. He was a co-founder of the Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific (CSCAP), the Canadian Consortium on Human Security, and the co-founder of the Canada-Korea Forum. He has directed exchange and partnership projects with fifteen research institutes in Asia and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded by governments and foundations in Canada, Japan, the United States, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Between 1990 and 2002 he organized two dozen meetings involving participants from North Korea.
He is currently a Canadian representative on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Experts and Eminent Persons Group.
A member of the Global Council of the Asia Society in New York, he also sits on the editorial boards of The Pacific Review, the Chinese Journal of International Politics, the China Quarterly for International Strategic Studies, and Mexico y la Cuenca del Pacifico.

Constantine Karayannopoulos, BASc, MASc, P.Eng.
Former President and CEO
Neo Performance Materials Inc.
Board Director
Canada China Business Council
Constantine Karayannopoulos, BASc, MASc, P.Eng., is a highly accomplished Professional Engineer who recently served as the President and CEO of Neo Performance Materials Inc. until July 2023 (NEO). NEO, a distinguished REE and critical minerals Canadian public company, benefited from Mr. Karayannopoulos’ 30 years of expertise including his leadership as COO (2000 – 2005), CEO (2005 to 2012), Chairman of the Board (2016 to 2020) and most recently again as CEO from July 2020 to July 2023.
With an impressive career spanning over three decades, Mr. Karayannopoulos has emerged as one of the most enduring executives in the rare earth industry. His expertise extends to collaborating with various governments across Europe, North America, and Asia, aligning public policy and industrial economics for strategic growth.
Mr. Karayannopoulos’ journey in the Rare Earth sector began in 1994, working under the guidance of Peter V. Gundy, the founder of Advanced Material Resources Limited (“AMR”) in Toronto. AMR marked a historic milestone as the first foreign company granted access to China’s Rare Earth industry, establishing two majority-owned operating joint ventures. Mr. Karayannopoulos’ roles at AMR evolved from Business Development Manager to North American Sales Manager, Global Sales Manager/Chairman of the JVs, VP/General Manager of AMR’s Rare Earth Business Unit, COO overseeing AMR’s both Rare Earths and Magnetic Material divisions and eventually to CEO following the acquisition of Magnequench Inc. in 2005 and the renaming of the combined company to Neo Material Technologies. Neo was sold to Molycorp in 2012 for $1.3 billion.
Mr. Karayannopoulos is also the co-founder and was the non-executive Chairman of the Board of Neo Lithium Corp., a position he held from 2016 until January 2022 when the company was sold for $960 million.
In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Mr. Karayannopoulos is a member of the Advisory Board at the University of Toronto’s Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry. He is also a Director of the Canada China Business Council and serves on the Advisory Board of Lithium Royalties Corp., a fund specializing in battery materials royalties and streams.
Mr. Karayannopoulos, leveraging his profound expertise in the sector, will provide invaluable services related to consultation on critical minerals through his consulting company, Kloni Inc., further enhancing Appia’s strategic positioning. The Company has granted 300,000 options exercisable at $0.275 per share for five years to Kloni Inc.

Stephen Wortley
Partner
DLA Piper (Canada) and DLA Piper (US)
Board Director
Canada China Business Council

Stephen Wortley is a leading capital markets and mergers and acquisitions lawyer. He is highly regarded for his deep knowledge of the Chinese, Hong Kong and East Asian markets. With extensive expertise in domestic and international securities and corporate matters, Mr. Wortley advises state-owned enterprises and a variety of small and medium-sized businesses.
Assisting startups and established companies in the technology, financial services, advanced materials, manufacturing and energy and mining industries, Mr. Wortley provides counsel on local, national and international prospectus offerings, as well as numerous listings on the TSX, TSX Venture Exchange and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong. He also advises on Chinese outbound M&A transactions into the Americas, ASEAN and Europe.
Mr. Wortley has been recognized for his work in M&A by Chambers Global and The Legal Media Group – Guide to Leading Practitioners: China. He speaks frequently on the topic of Hong Kong Stock Exchange listings by Canadian companies, and on alternative investment structures.
Mr. Wortley clerked for The Honourable Mr. Justice Lambert of the British Columbia Court of Appeal.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

Huatong International (Hti) Canada Three-Year Anniversary & 1st Annual Summit 2025
2025-05-10 - 2025-05-11 | Paradox Hotel Vancouver, 1161 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC, V6E 0C6, Canada
Huatong International (Hti) Canada will host its Three-Year Anniversary & 1st Annual Summit 2025 on May 10-11 in Vancouver. The one-day forum and exhibition on May 11 will offer valuable insights for educational institutions seeking to attract international students, including tailored training programs and expert-led discussion on the Canada-China business environment in relation to international and transnational education.
Agenda
May 10, Saturday, 6 pm PT: Cocktail Reception
May 11, Sunday, 9 am PT – 5 pm PT: Forum & Education Exhibition
May 11, Sunday, 6 pm PT: Appreciation Dinner with entertainment
CCBC members will receive a 10% discount on the $1,000 ticket price. To register, please send the Event Participation Form to jasmin.shao@htiedu.ca. As this event is highly selective, participation will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note registration will close once capacity is reached.
As a leading partner in overseas educational resources in China, Hti is dedicated to providing high-quality international education products to students and educational institutions. In terms of industry positioning, Hti has a global perspective, expanding into international markets while building on its strong domestic presence to offer comprehensive 360-degree services to partners. In addition to 20 key offices in major cities in China, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, Hti has established overseas offices in Vancouver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, Sydney, Tokyo, Ho Chi Minh City, Seoul, Taipei, and Manchester (UK). Hti has also opened direct offices in key student markets in Kazakhstan and Latin America, with plans to open in Europe and other major student markets. Its advantages include a vast array of institutional resources, a well-established service system, a seasoned front-line team, an efficient and precise operational system, continuously improving professional standards, and years of accumulated positive user feedback.

[SOLD OUT] Rebuilding Bridges: The Future of Canada-China Business Relations After The Federal Election
2025-04-30 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) Vancouver, Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Suite 1200, Vancouver, BC, V7X 1T2, Canada
As Canada navigates a new political landscape following the federal election, what lies ahead for its economic relationship with China? Join us in Vancouver for an exclusive panel discussion featuring experts in international trade and business as they analyze the future of Canada-China commercial ties and what it means for Canadian companies.
We are pleased to welcome three distinguished industry experts: Stewart Beck, former diplomat and Past President and CEO of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada; Jing LI, Professor of International Business and Director of the Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies at the Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University; and Jia WANG, Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor at the China Institute, University of Alberta.
With global market shifts and economic uncertainties, diversification has never been more critical for Canadian businesses. China remains one of the world’s largest and most dynamic markets, offering vast opportunities for growth, investment, and expansion. Speakers will share insights on policy changes, trade opportunities, and strategies for businesses looking to strengthen or re-enter the Chinese market.
Attendees will gain expert insights into the evolving Canada-China business landscape and understand how post-election policy changes may impact trade. The event will highlight why China should be a key part of a global diversification strategy, providing valuable perspectives on market opportunities. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with industry leaders and expand their professional networks, fostering new business relationships and collaborations.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $25 + tax; Non-Members: $100 + tax
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)
Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Suite 1200
Vancouver, BC
V7X 1T2
For inquiries, please contact Lotta Ygartua at lotta@ccbc.com.
Agenda:
4:30 pm PDT: Registration
5:00 pm PDT: Remarks and Panel Discussion
5:50 pm PDT: Networking
6:30 pm PDT: Event ends
Sponsor Remarks from:
Sean Muggah
Partner
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)
Sean Muggah represents and advises clients on a wide range of corporate and commercial matters, with a particular focus on highly regulated industries and sectors. He has extensive experience with mergers and acquisitions, disposition and acquisition of businesses on behalf of Canadian, U.S. and international companies, cross-border transactions, corporate reorganizations, joint ventures and partnership agreements in a wide variety of industries.
His practice spans a variety of sectors, including infrastructure and energy projects, and power and electricity. He advises financial institutions (including credit unions, trust companies and insurance companies) on regulatory and other corporate/commercial matters. Mr. Muggah also has extensive experience advising clients in the education and not-for-profit sectors.
From 2000 to 2003, Mr. Muggah was foreign counsel with the law firm of Nishimura & Partners (now Nishimura & Asahi) in Tokyo, Japan, where his practice focused on cross-border commercial transactions.
Within BLG, Mr. Muggah is the Regional Manager of our Corporate Commercial and Securities and Capital Markets Groups. Sean provides legal services through a Law Corporation.
About the Speakers:
Stewart Beck
Former diplomat
Past President and CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

With four decades as a diplomat, trade commissioner, and policy expert, Stewart Beck has championed Canada’s interests across Asia and the United States. As former President of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, he built networks connecting key stakeholders throughout the region. His diplomatic career includes serving as Canada’s High Commissioner to India and Consul General in Shanghai and San Francisco, establishing him as a leading expert on Asia-Pacific relations. This experience, coupled with his innovation policy knowledge and relationships with decision-makers across Canada and Asia, uniquely positions him to provide insights on Asia’s importance to Canada’s strategic interests and economic security.

Jing LI
Professor, International Business
Director, Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies
Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University

Jing LI (PhD, Indiana University) is a Professor of International Business at the Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University, where she serves as the director of the Jack Austin Centre for Asia Pacific Business Studies. Her research focuses on international investment strategies of firms, doing business in emerging markets, state-owned enterprises, and the intersection of geopolitics, public policies, and firm strategies. She has published over forty articles in leading management and international business journals. She is equally passionate about teaching and engaging in activities that promote dialogue and collaboration among researchers, business leaders, and policymakers.

Jia WANG
Senior Fellow and Senior Advisor
China Institute, University of Alberta
Jia WANG is the Senior Advisor and Senior Fellow of the China Institute at the University of Alberta. She has led the policy research think tank as the Interim Director (2021-2023) and Deputy Director and managed research, programs, and government and media relations since 2011. Ms. Wang is also a senior fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and a member of the Canada-US Commission on China convened by Wilson Centre in Washington D.C.
Ms. Wang has over 18 years of direct management experience focusing on the economic and political dimensions of contemporary China and Canada-China relations in various capacities. At the China Institute, in addition to overseeing the operations, she led policy research initiatives examining Canada’s diplomatic, trade, investment and energy linkages with China. She also provides strategic and policy advice on China to University senior leaders as well as executives at public and private sector organizations. Ms. Wang is a frequent media commentator, speaker and moderator at international, national and community events.
Before joining the China Institute, Ms. Wang worked as a television news reporter, anchor and producer covering major political, business and cultural affairs for OMNI TV network from 2008 to early 2011. She also served as a business consultant for Enbridge Pipelines Inc. and as a conference interpreter for various business, government and higher education institutions at executive-level meetings and major conferences.
Ms. Wang holds a Bachelor of Laws (honours) from Peking University and pursued doctoral studies at the University of Toronto. She has written columns for the largest Chinese newspaper and taught business communication and cultural etiquette in Canada.
Born and raised in Beijing and lived for two decades in Canada, Ms. Wang is fully bilingual (Chinese and English) and bicultural. She serves on the Boards of Directors for Early Music Society of BC of for Edmonton Symphony Orchestra and Winspear Centre for Music and is an Advisory Board Member for the Canada China Forum. An avid animal and nature lover, she supports animal rescue and nature conservation efforts around the world and enjoys hiking in the majestic Canadian Rockies every summer.

Lotta Ygartua
Regional Director, Western Canada
Canada China Business Council
As Regional Director of Western Canada, Lotta Ygartua is responsible for building the CCBC membership base throughout the region by connecting Canadian and Chinese businesses, promoting Canada-China bilateral trade, organizing events and supporting the delivery of member services. Ms. Ygartua has over 10 years of marketing experience in the technology, marketing research, communications and art sectors. Prior to joining CCBC, she was Marketing Manager at the China-Britain Business Council based in the UK, promoting trade and business with China and organizing high-calibre events involving the Chinese Premier and the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Ms. Ygartua spent several years living in China, where she studied and worked for a local company that developed products for the Chinese market. Ms. Ygartua studied Mandarin at the University of Nanjing and Nanjing Normal University. She holds a BA in Chinese and BSc in Social and Economic Geography from Uppsala University, Sweden.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

The 8th China International Import Expo Promotion Event – Vancouver
2025-04-29 14:30 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver) | JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Conference Floor (4th Floor), Kitsilano Ballroom, 39 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 0R3, Canada
The China International Import Expo (CIIE), established in 2018 and jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government, stands as the world’s pioneering import themed national level expo. The event is scheduled for November 5-10, 2025, in Shanghai, China. This year’s CIIE offers a prime opportunity for organizations to engage as exhibitors, buyers, or visitors. Join us for the promotion event to discover the upcoming CIIE’s highlights and learn how to optimize your CIIE experience.
The Canada China Business Council is a supporting organization of the promotion event.
The deadline to register is April 22, 2025. The event is free of charge to attend. Register by emailing CIIE@bankofchina.ca the following: name, job title, organization, phone number, email, and number of attendees.
Address:
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver, Conference Floor (4th Floor), Kitsilano Ballroom
39 Smithe Street
Vancouver, BC
V6B 0R3
Agenda:
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm PDT: Registration
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm PDT: Event
Click here to download the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Enterprise & Business Exhibition Exhibitor Invitation.

The 8th China International Import Expo Promotion Event - Toronto
2025-04-23 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Toronto) | Bank of China (Canada) Headquarters, 50 Minthorn Blvd, Suite 600, 6th Floor Meeting Room, Markham, Ontario, L3T 7X8, Canada
The China International Import Expo (CIIE), established in 2018 and jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government, stands as the world’s pioneering import themed national level expo. The event is scheduled for November 5-10, 2025, in Shanghai, China. This year’s CIIE offers a prime opportunity for organizations to engage as exhibitors, buyers, or visitors. Join us for the promotion event to discover the upcoming CIIE’s highlights and learn how to optimize your CIIE experience.
The Canada China Business Council is a supporting organization of the promotion event.
CCBC members can register by contacting Jeff Zhang, Regional Director, Central Canada, at jeff@ccbc.com, or Yuli Liu, Senior Program Manager, Central Canada, at yuli@ccbc.com. The deadline to register is April 15, 2025. The event is free of charge to attend.
Address:
Bank of China (Canada) Headquarters
50 Minthorn Blvd, Suite 600, 6th Floor Meeting Room
Markham, Ontario
L3T 7X8
Agenda:
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm EDT: Registration
2:30 pm – 5:00 pm EDT: Event
Click here to download the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) Enterprise & Business Exhibition Exhibitor Invitation.

To Live To Sing Screening for #CanFilmDay
2025-04-16 18:30 - 20:30 (America/Toronto) | Cineplex Cinemas Fairview Mall, 1800 Sheppard Avenue East #Unit Y007, Toronto, ON, M2J 5A7, Canada
Event: To Live to Sing
Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Auditorium 3, Cineplex Cinemas Fairview Mall
Come join us on Wednesday, April 16, 2025 at 6:30 PM for To Live to Sing, a night of music and entertainment at Cineplex Cinemas Fairview Mall. Get ready to experience the power of music and storytelling in this unique event.
Discover the journeys of individuals who have overcome challenges and found their voice through singing. Enjoy live performances from talented artists who will inspire and uplift your spirit.
Don’t miss this special evening filled with joy, hope, and music. Bring your friends and family and join us for To Live to Sing!
—
活动：活着唱歌
日期： 2025年4月16日（星期三）
时间： 晚上6点30分
地点： 礼堂3, Cineplex Fairview Mall电影院
欢迎参加 《活着唱歌》！
我们诚邀您于2025年4月16日（星期三）晚上6点30分，前来Cineplex Fairview Mall电影院，共度一个充满音乐与娱乐的夜晚。
在这个特别的活动中，您将感受到音乐与故事的力量，了解那些通过歌唱克服挑战、找到自己声音的真实故事。
欣赏才华横溢的艺术家们带来的精彩现场演出，他们将为您带来启发与感动。
不要错过这个充满欢乐、希望与音乐的美好夜晚！带上亲朋好友，一起加入我们，共享 《活着唱歌》 的魅力吧！

[SOLD OUT] Bridging Trade Opportunities: Growing and Diversifying Quebec’s Exports through China International Import Expo (CIIE)
2025-04-16 15:30 - 18:30 (America/Toronto) | Fasken, 333 Bay St, Suite 2400, Toronto, Ontario, M5H 2T6, Canada
As global trade landscapes shift due to geopolitical tensions and evolving tariff policies, Canadian and Quebec exporters face increasing pressure to diversify their markets. China remains a vital economic partner and a key destination for high-quality Canadian products, from agri-food and consumer goods to technology and advanced manufacturing.
The China International Import Expo (CIIE) offers an unparalleled opportunity for Quebec businesses to access this market, connect with buyers, and forge lasting trade partnerships. Join us on April 16 in Montreal to hear Mr. DAI Yuming, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal, share insights on trade between Canada and China. Dr. DENG Jun, President and CEO of Bank of China (Canada), will then discuss the upcoming CIIE in Shanghai, setting the stage for an engaging panel discussion on winning strategies for Quebec businesses at CIIE.
A panel discussion on winning strategies for Quebec businesses in the China market will feature Charles Lavoie, Vice President of Marketing, WPIC Marketing + Technologies; Stéphane Fallecker, Director Export, Asia-Pacific and Oceania Markets, Investissement Québec International; Lory Wang, President, Arctica Food Group Canada Inc.; and David Williams, Senior Director, Business Development, Intelcom | Dragonfly.
This event will provide practical insights, success stories, and strategic guidance to help Quebec companies better understand the latest trends in the Chinese consumer market, maximize their participation in CIIE, and expand their presence in China.

Tickets:
Free of charge for CCBC Members and Non-Members.
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
Fasken
800 Victoria Square, Suite 3500
Montreal, Quebec
H3C 0B4
Agenda:
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT: Registration and Networking
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm EDT: Welcome Remarks, Keynote Speeches
4:50 pm – 5:20 pm EDT: Panel Discussion: Winning Strategies for Quebec Businesses at China Market
5:20 pm – 6:30 pm EDT: Networking
About the Speakers:
DAI Yuming
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal
Mr. DAI Yuming has assumed the position of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal since December 2022. Since 1992, he worked at different positions in Department of African Affairs, Department of Personnel and Department of Policy Planning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and served several terms at the Chinese Embassies in Liberia, the United States, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Israel. He was also Deputy Mayor of Sanya City, Hainan Province, from 2016 to 2019.

Dr. DENG Jun
President and CEO, Bank of China (Canada)
Principal Officer, Bank of China Toronto Branch
Dr. DENG Jun, President and CEO of Bank of China (Canada) and Principal Officer of Bank of China Toronto Branch, holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Wuhan University and has played an integral role in the Bank of China Group since 1990. His journey within the Bank includes key positions that underscore his expertise.
In 2001, he served as General Manager of the Bank of China Wuhan ETD Branch, contributing significantly to the Bank’s growth. In 2006, he took on the role of Deputy Managing Director at Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Auto Finance Company Ltd., a joint venture between Bank of China Group Insurance Company Ltd., Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile Company Ltd., and Banque PSA Finance.
In 2009, Dr. Deng was appointed Assistant General Manager at the Bank of China Limited Head Office Corporate Banking Group and in 2012, he became Country Head of Bank of China Limited – Manila Branch, showcasing his versatility on the international stage. Since October of the same year, he has been fulfilling his current roles, leading as President and CEO of Bank of China (Canada) and Principal Officer of Bank of China Toronto Branch.

Charles Lavoie
VP of Marketing
WPIC Marketing + Technologies
Charles Lavoie has been helping Canadian and global companies enter and grow in the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets since 2011. An expert in branding, marketing, e-commerce, and cross-cultural management, he has supported over 200 companies—from startups to multinational corporations—in optimizing their growth strategies.
He is currently the VP of Marketing at WPIC Marketing + Technologies, Asia’s leading e-commerce incubator for global brands. At WPIC, he leads a team of over 350 specialists across China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, working in marketing, e-commerce, logistics, compliance, data analytics, and technology. He helps Canadian companies such as Aritzia, New Roots Herbal, IDC Dermo, and Triotech expand their presence and operations across China and the APAC region.
Prior to joining WPIC, Mr. Lavoie served as a Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing from 2011 to 2013. He also consulted for leading Chinese firms such as Tencent, DiDi and CICC, supporting their global expansion and communications strategies. In addition, he advised several global organizations operating in China, including Daimler and Nestlé. During that time, he also launched and successfully scaled his own brand across China and Southeast Asia.

Stéphane Fallecker
Director Export, Asia-Pacific and Oceania Markets
Investissement Québec International
Stephane Fallecker worked for more than 20 years in international trade development for the government, regional development agencies and private entities.
In 2022, he joined Investissement Québec International, Québec government’s foreign investment prospecting and export assistance agency. He oversees the Asia-Pacific and Oceania region, managing the economic development teams in Montréal and throughout Asia.
He also served as the economic development director at the Quebec Office in Chicago and at Quebec General Delegation in New York.
Mr. Fallecker holds a master’s degree in international management from HEC Montreal.

Lory Wang
CEO
Arctica Food Group Canada Inc.
Lory Wang is a foodie and second-generation entrepreneur. After her studies in finance and accounting, and several years auditing SMEs, she decided to take the plunge. With the awakening of the Chinese market for imported goods and her love of food, she co-founded Arctica Food Group Canada in 2012. The group’s mission has always been to offer natural, healthy and delicious food, with a certain cachet, in which west meets east. Arctica Food became the pioneer and leading brand in Canadian wild sea cucumbers and established Quebec’s sea cucumber industry. Since the Chinese middle class clientele is open-minded but exposed to too many options, Arctica Food focuses on food education to build product recognition and brand loyalty. With her team, Ms. Wang continues to develop new food products that are nutritious and customized to the eating behaviours of the Chinese consumer, such as honey, soybeans, cooking oil, health supplements, etc. As a board member of Groupe Export Agroalimentaire, she wants to promote Quebec’s high-quality food products, sometimes even unknown locally, and encourage more people to export overseas and to build international relationships. Food brings us closer; let’s share it together!

David Williams
Senior Director, Business Development
Intelcom | Dragonfly
David Williams leads global business development for Intelcom | Dragonfly, a last-mile logistics company operating across Canada and Australia. With over 15 years of experience in e-commerce logistics, strategic partnerships, and international market expansion, Mr. Williams is responsible for shaping the company’s client acquisition strategy and supporting global retailers, marketplaces, and logistics providers in their cross-border growth initiatives. He has participated in multiple international trade missions, including the China International Import Expo (CIIE), to support the Intelcom | Dragonfly development in new markets.

Ponora Ang
Partner, Co-Leader Asia-Pacific Group
Fasken
Ponora Ang is a Partner at Fasken and the Co-Leader of the Asia Pacific Group of the firm.
He is a manufacturing and product liability lawyer. In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Mr. Ang is well known to companies in the Asia-Pacific region for his legal and strategic advice regarding investment and implementation projects in Canada. He advises businesses from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia in different industries for their operations in Canada.
Mr. Ang counsels and represents clients in the areas of real estate, product liability, manufacturing, sale and leasing, insurance, and franchise law. He is regularly asked to represent the interests of manufacturers, producers, distributors, and sellers in the automotive, medical, security, and aviation industries. In addition, he regularly advises state-owned enterprises, private companies, and individuals from Asia seeking to expand their business activities in Canada in a variety of industries.
He received YBAM’s Lawyer of the Year 2010 award in civil and commercial litigation. Mr. Ang was also recognized in the prestigious Lexpert Rising Star 2021 / Top 40 Under 40 in Canada list for his legal expertise. In addition, in 2023, he was awarded the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec in honour of his numerous engagements for the society over the years.
Mr. Ang continues to be involved in a number of committees and boards of directors in Quebec, both in business and trade associations as well as for charitable organizations. In addition to his professional practice and community involvement, he is also a caregiver whose daily life was the subject of a documentary by ICI Radio-Canada in 2022.

Claire Zhang
Director, Quebec Chapter
Canada China Business Council
Claire Zhang brings over 10 years of international development expertise to her role as Director of the Quebec Chapter at the Canada China Business Council. She previously led business development for Greater China across sectors including edu-tech, entertainment, IT, blockchain, and 5G. Ms. Zhang excelled in building influential relationships with government agencies, industry leaders, and strategic partners in both nations.
Prior to this, Ms. Zhang served as Program Manager at the Quebec Chapter and Interim Chapter Director for the Atlantic Chapter at CCBC. There, she provided critical business intelligence to members from Eastern Canada. She is an expert in organizing large-scale, high-level business missions to China and Canada, facilitating essential negotiations, and helping Canadian enterprises navigate the complexities of the Chinese market.
A dedicated advocate for diversity, women’s leadership, and entrepreneurship, Ms. Zhang holds a B.Comm in Marketing from Concordia University. She is fluent in English and Mandarin, with intermediate French skills. Her charismatic acumen and deep understanding of both business landscapes position her to drive impactful bilateral business development and forge strategic partnerships. Ms. Zhang is also actively involved in the China-Canada community in the Quebec region.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

[SOLD OUT] Boosting Trade Between Canada and China
2025-04-16 13:30 - 16:30 (America/Toronto) | OTT Financial Group, 1123 Leslie Street, North York, Ontario, M3C 2K5, Canada
The recent US tariff threat serves as a wake-up call for Canadian businesses. While many Canadian business leaders have long advocated for trade diversification, the convenience of US market access has often led to an overreliance on a single partner. As Canada’s second-largest trading partner, China continues to present a strong alternative for expanding trade opportunities. At the same time, an increasing number of Chinese companies are entering the Canadian market, offering high-quality, competitively priced products that are resonating with Canadian consumers. Now is the right time to strengthen trade between Canada and China.
Join us on April 16 as industry experts share insights on navigating Canada-China trade. Mr. LIU Linlin, Consul (Counsellor, Economic and Commercial), Chinese Consulate General in Toronto, will share insights on trade between Canada and China. Ms. Stephanie Kou, Partner and Director of Business Development, Monet Marketing Inc., will introduce RedNote, a leading social commerce platform in China and one of the world’s major platforms for discovering and sharing lifestyle content, product reviews, and shopping experiences. Ms. Joyce Jiang, CEO, ApexLogistics Canada, will discuss how businesses can use efficient supply chain solutions to navigate market challenges, improve trade efficiency, and reduce risks in cross-border trade.
Mr. Tim Walter, President and CEO of Walter’s ShoeCare Inc., a Canadian company with a 132-year history, will share their success in the shoe care market, their brand’s growth, and their valuable trade relationships with suppliers and business partners in China. Mr. Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (Canada), will provide strategic insights for Canadian companies looking to expand in Asia, highlighting key opportunities for leveraging Hong Kong as a gateway for trade with China and the broader Asian market. Additionally, Mr. Alex Liu, Executive Vice President, OTT Financial Group, and Mr. Jeff Zhang, Regional Director, Central Canada, Canada China Business Council (CCBC), will deliver remarks with important messages for the Canadian and Chinese business communities.
Discover strategies for expanding into China, overcoming trade challenges, and leveraging new opportunities in logistics, social commerce, and investment. Register now to gain expert insights and make new connections!

Tickets:
CCBC Members: Free; Non-Members: $100 + HST
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
OTT Financial Group
1123 Leslie Street
North York, Ontario
M3C 2K5
Free parking is available onsite
Agenda:
1:30 pm – 2:00 pm EDT: Registration and Networking
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm EDT: Welcome Remarks, Keynote Speeches, Closing Remarks
3:30 pm – 4:30 pm EDT: Networking
4:30 pm EDT: Event Ends
Dress Code:
Business Formal
About the Speakers:
LIU Linlin
Consul (Counsellor, Economic and Commercial)
Chinese Consulate General in Toronto

Mr. LIU Linlin has had a distinguished career spanning over three decades in international trade, economic cooperation, and commercial diplomacy.
Since August 2022, Mr. Liu has served as Consul (Counsellor, Economic and Commercial) at the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto. Prior to this, from April 2017 to August 2022, he held the position of Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Papua New Guinea. From October 2008 to April 2017, he served in various capacities at China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), and Economic and Commercial Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand from October 2005 to October 2008.
Mr. Liu’s extensive career also includes previous role at MOFCOM (2001-2005), the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation (1996-2000), and the Economic and Commercial Office of the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, where he served as Attaché and Third Secretary from 1992 to 1996. He began his career in 1988 at the Personnel Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation.
Mr. Liu holds a Master of Business Economics and Finance from Curtin University of Technology, Australia (2002), a Graduate Diploma in International Economics from the University of Adelaide, Australia (1998), and a Bachelor of Economics from the Shanghai Institute of Foreign Trade (1988), where he majored in Foreign Trade English.

Andrew Yui
Director, Canada
Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)
Andrew Yui was appointed Director, Canada, of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) in July 1993. HKTDC is Hong Kong’s statutory body responsible for the promotion of international trade (imports and exports) in merchandise, services and technologies, via the Hong Kong platform. The Council works through a network of 51 offices worldwide. The HKTDC Branch Office in Canada, based in Toronto, is established to encourage and assist Canadian companies to diversify their business to Asia through Hong Kong. To facilitate the efforts of Canadian companies to ‘think Asia, think Hong Kong,’ HKTDC Toronto Office has joined forces with like-minded multiplier partners like HKCBA, HKETO (Toronto), IHK (Canada), CCBC, and many others in organizing sector-specific Canadian missions to Hong Kong international trade fairs and conferences.

Joyce Jiang
CEO
ApexLogistics Canada
Joyce Jiang is an experienced entrepreneur in the field of international logistics and supply chain management. As the founder of ApexLogistics Canada, she built the company from the ground up after immigrating to Canada. In just 10 years, she transformed APEX into a leading player in the national logistics sector, has played a key role in elevating industry standards and facilitating seamless trade between Canada and global markets.
Guided by the philosophy of “Optimizing Logistics, Connecting the World,” Ms. Jiang has consistently broken barriers across languages, industries, and borders. Her relentless drive for innovation and excellence has earned her recognition as an industry trailblazer.
Prior to founding ApexLogistics Canada, Ms. Jiang held senior management positions in international five-star hospitality, DHL China, and Shanghai Media Group. Her extensive experience in international management and cross-cultural service has equipped her with a unique strategic vision for global business operations.
In 2024, Ms. Jiang was honoured with the Business Excellence Award – Resilience at the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) 46th Annual General Meeting, recognizing her outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to the industry.

Stephanie Kou
Partner and Director, Business Development
Monet Marketing Inc.
Stephanie Kou is the Partner & Business Development Director at Agency Monet Marketing, an officially authorized cross-border agency for RedNote (Xiaohongshu/小红书) in North America and a certified TikTok agency.
Monet Marketing is a full-service marketing agency with 11 years of experience in the North American market. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, the company also has offices in Los Angeles, USA, and Vancouver, Canada. With extensive expertise, Monet Marketing specializes in developing and executing marketing strategies for Chinese companies expanding into the North American market. Additionally, the company is dedicated to serving as a bridge for Asian brands entering the North American market, as well as a key partner for major global brands looking to engage with North America’s Asian communities and local markets.
Notable clients include Holt Renfrew Canada, Audi Canada, Vaughan Mills, Royal Bank of Canada, Lark (飞书), Snowbeer (雪花啤酒), Laifen (莱芬吹风机), and other leading North American and international brands.

Tim Walter
President and CEO
Walter’s ShoeCare Inc.
Tim Walter is President, Chief Executive Officer and sole owner of E. F. Walter Group of Companies, including three family holdings and a majority ownership of Walter’s ShoeCare Inc. which descends directly from E. F. Walter Ltee., his family’s company, which was founded in 1893 by his great-grandfather at Montreal, Quebec.
Involved in the companies since April 1990, he became a member of the executive team in 1994 and has served as President and CEO since 2001. His primary focus and responsibilities through 2010 include business assessment, strategic planning, restructuring, consolidation, organization and business development of this now fourth-generation business—positioning it to pursue quantum growth.
Since 2010, he has led the divestiture of non-core business assets; the acquisition, development, and subsequent sale of his ThermaGreen Environmental business in 2018; and ongoing investment to grow Walter’s ShoeCare.
Having successfully navigated COVID-19 with an exceptional team, Walter’s ShoeCare is focused on strategic growth through the international expansion of operations and distribution.
In 2004, he was selected from candidates across Canada by KPMG and the Richard Ivey School of Business – University of Western Ontario to join an elite group of entrepreneurs. The Quantum Shift Institute for Entrepreneurship provides continual business training, leadership development, and a solid networking infrastructure to support the effective development of his business.
He is happily married for over 28 years and has two children, both of whom have completed university degrees and are independently developing their careers. He enjoys outdoor adventure sports, travel, music, and time with his family.

Alex Liu
Executive Vice President
OTT Financial Group
Alex Liu joined OTT in 2014, where he has assisted the founder in managing various business lines in Canada, the United States and Hong Kong, particularly the fintech business group, which provides payment processing, global settlement and credit card issuance services. Previously, Mr. Liu held various senior positions at Shenyin Wanguo Securities, one of the largest full-service investment dealers in China, where he worked for 20 years.

Jeff Zhang
Regional Director, Central Canada
Canada China Business Council
Jeff Zhang has over 20 years of international experience in private, public and non-profit organizations in a variety of sectors including E-commerce, oil and gas, retail, commercial real estate, education and financial services. Prior to joining CCBC, Mr. Zhang worked in establishment and operation management at a Sino-Foreign joint venture company and in strategic partnership management at a Fortune 500 multinational company. He also led and assisted a number of Canadian companies and educational institutions into China where he was responsible for strategic partnerships and branding establishment.
Mr. Zhang has an MBA in marketing and international business from Concordia University in Montreal and is fluent in Mandarin and English. He has also been a guest speaker at professional business associations in China and Canada.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

Canadian AlumNight China in Beijing
2025-04-10 14:00 - 21:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | St. Regis Beijing, 2nd floor, Great Hall, No.21, Jian Guo Men Wai Street, Beijing, China
Calling all Canadian University representatives in China!
Following the success of the inaugural Canadian AlumNight China in Beijing in September 2022, which drew over 200 alumni, CCBC is proud to announce the Canadian AlumNight in Beijing is back on April 10, 2025!
This year’s event will feature two parts: an afternoon workshop and networking session with Canadian universities, high school counselors, and industry partners, running from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm; and an open-concept evening cocktail reception for all Canadian alumni and prospective students, running from 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm.
Canadian universities and partners will have booths around the venue to promote their institutions and connect with alumni. CCBC will collaborate with strategic partners to create an atmosphere reminiscent of time spent in Canada for returned alumni, while offering prospective students a taste of Canadian life. Click here for public registration.
Canadian universities interested in participating should get in touch with Candice Zhao at Candice@ccbc.com.cn.
Date:
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Location:
St. Regis Beijing
2nd floor, Great Hall
No.21, Jian Guo Men Wai Street, Beijing
Agenda:
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Afternoon Program Registration
2:30 pm – 3:00 pm: Welcome Remarks
3:00 pm – 4:00 pm: Deep Dive into Canadian Education: Challenges and Opportunities
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Case Studies: Best Practices
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm: Refresh and Booth Setup
6:30 pm – 7:00 pm: Evening Program Registration
7:00 pm – 7:30 pm: Welcome Remarks
7:30 pm – 8:30 pm: Networking
8:30 pm – 9:00 pm: Prize Draw
9:00 pm: End of Networking Session

[SOLD OUT] China in 2025: Economic Shifts, Political Strategy, and What It Means for Canada-China Business Relations
2025-03-26 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Toronto) | Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) Vancouver, Waterfront Centre, 200 Burrard Street, Suite 1200, Vancouver, BC, V7X 1T2, Canada
Join us for an thought-provoking discussion on China’s economic and political outlook for 2025 and its impact on Canada-China business relations. As global dynamics continue to evolve, understanding China’s changing economic landscape and political trajectory is essential for businesses and policymakers navigating the shifting Canada-China relationship.
Moderated by Bijan Ahmadi, CCBC Executive Director and COO, with welcome remarks from Miles Pittman, Partner at Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG) and CCBC Board Director, this panel discussion features top experts: Graham Shantz, President, CCBC; Chucheng FENG, Founding Partner, Hutong Research; and Ari Van Assche, Ph.D., Professor, Department of International Business, Co-Director of the International Institute for Economic Diplomacy, HEC Montréal, and Editor-in-Chief, Journal of International Business Policy.
This exclusive session will examine Beijing’s strategic approach to Trump administration and its long-term economic and political direction. As China finalizes its new five-year plan, our panelists will provide critical insights into the country’s evolving policies, key geopolitical shifts, and their direct impact on Canadian businesses, trade relations, and investment opportunities in the year ahead.
Please note this event will be held in English.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: Free; Non-Members: $100 + tax
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
Borden Ladner Gervais LLP
1000 De La Gauchetière Street West, Suite 900
Montreal, Quebec
H3B 5H4
Agenda:
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm EDT: Registration and Networking
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT: Welcome Remarks, Opening Remarks, Panel Discussion and Q&A, and Closing Remarks
6:00 pm – 6:50 pm EDT: Networking
7:00 pm EDT: Event Ends
For inquiries, please contact Claire Zhang, CCBC Quebec Chapter Director, at claire@ccbc.com.
About the Speakers:
Ari Van Assche, Ph.D.
Professor in the Department of International Business, Co-Director of the International Institute for Economic Diplomacy
Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of International Business Policy
Ari Van Assche is a Professor of International Business and co-director of the International Institute of Economic Diplomacy at HEC Montréal. He currently serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of International Business Policy, Fellow-in-Residence at the CD Howe Institute, Fellow at CIRANO, and visiting professor at the University of Leeds. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and specializes in the organization of global value chains and their implication for public policy.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

Chucheng FENG
Founding Partner
Hutong Research
Chucheng FENG is the founding partner of Hutong Research, a boutique advisory firm focusing on deciphering China’s policy trajectory, dynamics, and their market impact. Before Hutong Research, Mr. Feng co-founded Plenum China Research, where he was a partner from 2019 to 2023, and Grisk Data, a Shanghai/DC-based alternative data vendor on geopolitics in 2018.
Prior to launching his own ventures, Mr. Feng helped build the political risk practice at the Hong Kong-based risk firm Blackpeak in 2017. Beforehand, he was an Asia analyst at Eurasia Group and conducted research at Asia Society Policy Institute under former Australian prime minister Kevin Rudd. In these capacities, Mr. Feng advised sovereign wealth funds, the world’s most prestigious hedge funds and asset managers, as well as Fortune 500 companies on China-related topics.
Born in Beijing, Mr. Feng has studied, worked, and lived in Minnesota, California, New York, Washington DC, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. He travels frequently across continents for speaking engagements and in-person briefings.
Mr. Feng holds a Bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master’s degree in political science from Columbia University.
Mr. Feng is a Forbes U30 Asia 2022 listee and a young leader at the Council for the United States and Italy. He gets regularly quoted by the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Bloomberg, and Caixin.

Miles Pittman
Partner, Borden Ladner Gervais LLP (BLG)
Board Director, Canada China Business Council
Miles Pittman has maintained a broad practice advising energy sector and sector-adjacent participants and project proponents for more than twenty-five years. He advises frequently on mergers, acquisitions and divestitures, and project structure and development.
He has led significant transactions in the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors, and has advised on virtually all aspects of the Liquefied Natural Gas value chain. He has also played a lead role in significant debt financing and restructuring transactions both within Canada and internationally.
Mr. Pittman writes frequently about oil and gas law, and teaches the Oil and Gas Law and Oil and Gas Contracts courses at the University of Calgary Law School. He led the drafting committee for the Pre-Unitization Agreement for the Association of International Energy Negotiators, and was recently selected as a Global Elite Thought Leader in Energy (Oil and Gas) by Who’s Who Legal.

Graham Shantz
President
Canada China Business Council
Graham Shantz served for over 25 years in Canada’s public service providing advice to Canadian governments, mainly on management of Canada’s relations with Asia. He has lived and worked for over 12 years in Asia, half of that in China. In Ottawa, Mr. Shantz has worked in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. In 2000-2001 he served as Canada’s lead negotiator for Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and in 1996-1997 served as deputy chief negotiator for the Canadian team during China’s WTO accession talks. Over the past decades, Mr. Shantz has been involved in numerous major bilateral visits between Canadian and Chinese leaders.
Mr. Shantz has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation (2013-2016) and on the Board of Directors of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (2006-2009). He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (2009-2012) and ended his career in the public service in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada’s Asia Branch.
A Mandarin speaker, Mr. Shantz pursued his interest in China while studying economics at Goshen College in Indiana. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He also pursued language and economics studies in China, including at Beijing University and Xiamen University, under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

[SOLD OUT] Toronto's 10-Year Action Plan For Economy: Exploring Business Opportunities
2025-03-18 11:30 - 14:00 (America/Toronto) | Gowling WLG, 1 First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Suite 1600, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
The Toronto Region is home to over seven million people, making it one of the largest and fastest growing metropolitan regions in North America. It contributes 50% of Ontario’s GDP and 20% of Canada’s GDP. Toronto ranks as North America’s second largest financial centre and hosts the second largest food and beverage industry. It also boasts the third largest labour force, tech sector, and number of manufacturers in the region. Additionally, Toronto is a hub for life sciences and leads Canada in interactive media, with a 42% growth in animation and VFX projects over the last five years.
In October 2024, the City of Toronto unveiled its 10-Year Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy (2025-2035) aimed at strengthening Toronto’s global competitiveness, fostering connections, and guiding its economic growth. This comprehensive 72-page roadmap will shape the city’s economic development decisions over the next decade. What are the key takeaways for Canadian and Chinese business communities regarding investment, trade, education and other vital concerns?
The Canada China Business Council has invited Ms. Clare Barnett, Director of Business Growth Services at the City of Toronto, and her team to provide an overview of the Action Plan for Toronto’s Economy. Join us on March 18 as they discuss the key items guiding the City’s growth and priorities, as well as the business and education opportunities generated by this plan. Additionally, Ms. Barnett and her team, including Ms. Susana Vaz, Senior Manager, Strategic Planning and Initiatives, Mr. John Alderdice, Manager, Business Retention and Expansion, Ms. Leslie Fink, Manager, Sector Development, and Mr. Thomas McGinty, Manager Entrepreneurship Services, will brief attendees on the City’s services and business incentive programs designed to assist overseas investors, including Chinese inbound investors and local Chinese-Canadian investors, when establishing and expanding their businesses in Toronto. Mr. Thomas J. Timmins, Leader, Energy Sector Practice, Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP and Board Director of CCBC, will share his insights as to how businesses can survive and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Mr. Hugo Lorenson, Regional Vice President, Commercial Financial Services GTR and Ms. Clarinda Andres, Commercial Solutions Specialist, Royal Bank of Canada will also discuss information, tools, and resources you need to help your business go global, discover and secure grant funding to support your organization’s growth. A networking lunch will be served following the presentations.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $20 + HST (maximum of 2 registrations per member company); Non-Members: $100 + HST
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Click here to register.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
Gowling WLG
1 First Canadian Place, 100 King Street West, Suite 1600
Toronto, Ontario
Agenda:
11:30 am – 12:00 pm EDT: Registration and Networking
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm EDT: Welcome Remarks, Opening Remarks, Presentations and Closing Remarks
1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT: Networking Lunch
2:00 pm EDT: Event Ends
About the Speakers:
Thomas J. Timmins
Leader, Energy Sector Practice
Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP
Thomas J. Timmins (谭民思) is a senior projects lawyer based in Canada focused primarily on renewable energy projects and the global energy transition. He leads the Energy Sector Practice at Gowling WLG Canada. Named a ‘Leading Lawyer’ by The Legal 500 Canada and Who’s Who Legal, Mr. Timmins serves as a Board member of the Canadian Ditchley Foundation, as an advisor at the Centre for Urban Energy at Metropolitan Toronto University, as a member of the Legal Committee of Transparency International and on several public and private boards. He also teaches Infrastructure and Project Finance Law and serves as an adjudicator under the Canadian Free Trade Agreement. Mr. Timmins served as the Leader of Gowling WLG Canada’s highly successful China Practice between 2016-2024.

Clare Barnett
Director, Business Growth Services
City of Toronto
Clare Barnett brings a unique perspective having both private and public sector experience in international business development and marketing, economic development, attracting Foreign Direct Investment, developing Business Retention & Expansion programs, and building an award-winning Innovation District.
She has deep business development and marketing expertise cultivated through more than 15 years with the provincial government focused on Ontario’s economic competitiveness, in addition to prior private sector experience in the technology space.
Ms. Barnett served as Ontario’s representative in the United Kingdom with a mandate to further Ontario’s trade, investment and broader economic interests. She also established Ontario’s first Investment Office, leading international business development and marketing.
More recently, Ms. Barnett created an award winning and accredited Economic Development Office with the City of Brampton, part of the Greater Toronto Area. Global brands invested under her leadership, and Brampton’s place on the global stage was recognized through various awards, including being ranked one of Canada’s best locations to invest.
Ms. Barnett now serves as the Director of Business Growth with the City of Toronto, leading economic development in Canada’s largest city and economy. The focus of her work is Business Retention & Expansion, main street and small business support, entrepreneurship and investment attraction.
Ms. Barnett is a thought leader in economic development and is a sought-after speaker internationally. She serves as an Advisor and Board Member to many organizations such as the International Economic Development Council, Organization of Women in International Trade and local start up incubators and accelerators. She has been called an inspirational leader and is personally focused on supporting women to grow their careers in economic development.

Hugo Lorenson, LLP MBA
Regional Vice President
Commercial Financial Services GTR
Royal Bank of Canada
Hugo Lorenson is currently Regional Vice President, Diversified Banking, Commercial Financial Services with over 15 years of experience at RBC.
Mr. Lorenson’s breadth of experience provides him with a deep understanding of Commercial Banking. He began his journey as a Senior Relationship Manager in the GTA, progressing through various senior leadership positions, including Credit Adjudication and Commercial Advisory Groups. Additionally, he managed the Operations Centres that spanned across the Americas, along with providing oversight of the Caribbean Cards Operations Group. Mr. Lorenson has led high performing teams in the Retail, Franchising and Business Professional Services industries, as VP, Commercial in the GTA. Prior to his current position, Mr. Lorenson was one of the original RBC leaders to join the Group Risk Management National Internship Program.
Mr. Lorenson was a practicing lawyer in Toronto before starting his career at RBC.
Mr. Lorenson holds a Law Degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, an MBA from the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto and an undergraduate degree from Acadia University. He is an active volunteer member of RBC’s Beacon program, the Rotman School of Management, as well as a York Region youth basketball coach.

Clarinda (Claire) Andres, MBA
Commercial Solutions Specialist
Royal Bank of Canada
Claire Andres is a Commercial Solutions Specialist with over 10 years of professional experience with the Royal Bank. She has earned multiple awards for her work in personal and business banking, credit and investments and specialized solutions for commercial clients.
Ms. Andres owned a business in the wholesale trade of industrial soaps before coming to Canada, thus she recognizes the many challenges business owners face and the needed support to be successful. A business enthusiast, and passionate in business development, she continues to help business owners get access to valuable resources and innovative solutions to help them achieve their goals.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

Business Luncheon in Shanghai featuring Ambassador Jennifer May
2025-03-05 11:45 - 13:30 (Asia/Shanghai) | Shanghai, China
The Consulate General of Canada in Shanghai and CCBC are hosting an exclusive business luncheon in Shanghai featuring Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China, H.E. Jennifer May, on Wednesday, March 5. This closed-door gathering will provide a platform for in-depth discussions on the economic and trade outlook for the Canada-China relationship.
This event is by invitation only. For inquiries, please contact Edward Dai, CCBC Regional Director for Atlantic Canada and Shanghai, at edward@ccbc.com.cn.
About Ambassador Jennifer May:
H.E. Jennifer May
Ambassador of Canada to the People’s Republic of China
Ms. Jennifer May was appointed Canada’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China on September 23, 2022. She is the first woman to serve in this position.
Prior to her nomination, Ambassador May served as the Ambassador of Canada to the Federative Republic of Brazil from 2019 to 2022. She was Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Canada to the Federal Republic of Germany from 2015 to 2019.
Ambassador May has extensive Asia experience, having served in political and economic roles at the Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong from 1998 to 2000, in Beijing at the Embassy of Canada to the People’s Republic of China from 2000 to 2004 and in Bangkok at the Embassy of Canada to the Kingdom of Thailand from 2010 to 2012, with additional responsibility to Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos.
Through her thirty-two-year career with the Government of Canada, Ambassador May has also served as Director of Eastern Europe and Eurasia Relations, Executive Director of the Defence and Security Relations Division at Global Affairs Canada and held overseas assignments in Vienna, Austria and Bonn, Germany.
Ambassador May was born in Toronto, Canada and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and German from Laval University in Québec City. She is married with three grown children. She speaks English, French, Mandarin, German and Portuguese. Ambassador Jennifer May is known as 梅倩琳 in Chinese.

[SOLD OUT] Canada-China Business Outlook 2025: Vancouver Welcome Reception for CCBC’s New Executive Director
2025-02-25 16:30 - 19:00 (America/Vancouver) | Bennett Jones LLP, Suite 2500, 666 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6C 2X8, Canada
In light of recent U.S. tariffs, Canadian businesses need to examine their impact on North American relations, including potential shifts in supply chains and evolving trade dynamics between Canada, the U.S., and China. While these changes may necessitate adjustments for local businesses, they also create opportunities for innovation, diversification, and strategic trade policy enhancements to bolster Canada’s economic resilience.
The Canada China Business Council (CCBC) invites you to an exclusive welcome reception for our new Executive Director, Bijan Ahmadi. This special evening will also provide a forward-looking perspective on Canada-China business relations in 2025 and beyond. Attendees will be greeted with a glass of welcome bubbles to kick off the evening in style.
We are honoured to feature remarks from Chinese Consul General YANG Shu, who will share insights on China’s economic priorities for 2025 and perspectives on fostering Canada-China business relations, with a focus on British Columbia. Joyce Lee, Board Member of CCBC’s Board of Directors, will speak a few words about CCBC’s leadership transition and welcome Mr. Ahmadi to the local community. Mr. Ahmadi will moderate a discussion featuring Paul Evans, Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, David Fung, Vice-Chair of CCBC’s Board of Directors, and Susan Gregson, Distinguished Fellow, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, on the future of Canada-China relations, including Canada’s economic outlook for the year, the evolving dynamics of Canada-China relations, and potential challenges and opportunities in the broader North American trade landscape.

This engaging event will bring together CCBC members, key stakeholders, and thought leaders to discuss the evolving Canada-China relationship and its impact on the business community. It promises to be a valuable opportunity to connect and gain meaningful insights.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $25 + tax
Non-members: $100 + tax
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
Bennett Jones LLP
Suite 2500, 666 Burrard Street
Vancouver, BC

For inquiries, please contact Lotta Ygartua at lotta@ccbc.com.
Agenda:
4:30 pm PST: Registration
5:00 pm PST: Remarks and Panel Discussion
6:20 pm PST: Networking
7:00 pm PST: Event ends
Sponsor Remarks From:

Chen LIU, Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Professor of Finance
Trinity Western University’s School of Business
Dr. Chen LIU is Associate Dean of Graduate Programs and Professor of Finance at Trinity Western University’s School of Business. As Associate Dean, Dr. Liu oversees TWU’s MBA and Executive MBA (EMBA) programs in Langley and Richmond, as well as the Great Wall International MBA offered in Tianjin, Shanghai, and Beijing, China.
Dr. Liu’s teaching and research center on Corporate Finance, Entrepreneurship, and Digital Transformation. Her research areas span topics that include Private Equity, Venture Capital, Leveraged Buyout (LBO), Merger & Acquisition (M&A), Entrepreneurial Finance, and Fintech. In 2016, she co-founded TWU’s value-investing Student Managed Investment Fund, serving as faculty director until 2019.
Dr. Liu earned her PhD in Finance from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, and holds a BBA from the University of International Business & Economics in Beijing, China.

Victor Tsao
Partner, Trademark Agent
Bennett Jones LLP
Victor Tsao practices corporate law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, real estate development, cross-border transactions, financing, technology and entertainment law. He is also a registered trademark agent and a member of the Intellectual Property Institute of Canada.
With years of experience in the Asia Pacific market, Mr. Tsao provides strategic advice to Canadian, Chinese and Japanese clients as they do business throughout the region and beyond. This includes entering new markets, corporate financing, developing their businesses and cross-border transactions.
Prior to joining Bennett Jones, Mr. Tsao was the managing partner of the Vancouver office of a global law firm.
Mr. Tsao is fluent in English, Chinese and Japanese.
About the Speakers:
YANG Shu
Consul General
Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver
Mr. YANG Shu, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, assumed his duties on September 21, 2022.
From 2020 to 2022, he was the deputy head of the International Relations Department of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. He was also formerly the Deputy Consul General of the Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar and the Executive Deputy Director General of the Consular Assistance and Protection Center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China.
After graduating from university, Mr. YANG Shu worked in the Department of Consular Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and has been engaged in consular affairs for many years. He has rich diplomatic and consular work experience, and has previously worked in Chinese diplomatic missions abroad, specifically South Africa and Indonesia.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

Paul Evans
Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Paul Evans (PhD with distinction Dalhousie University 1982) retired from UBC in June 2023 after 43 years of university teaching. He is currently Professor Emeritus.
His academic appointments have been as follows:

Assistant Professor, Acadia University, 1980-81
Assistant, Associate and Professor, Department of Political Science, York University, 1981-97;
Director, University of Toronto – York University Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, 1991-96;
Visiting Professor, Asia Center, Harvard University, 1997-99;
Acting Director, Liu Institute for Global Issues, 2004-5;
Director, Institute of Asian Research, 2008-11 and 2014;
Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong, 2011 and 2013;
Visiting Professor and Head of the International Academic Advisory Panel to the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, 2013-16.
Visiting Pok Rafeah Chair, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 2022-23.

Between 2005 and 2008, he was seconded from UBC to serve as the Co-CEO and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. And between 2020 and 2023 he held the HSBC Chair in Asian Research at UBC.
A regionalist rather than country specialist, he has held visiting fellowships at the Australian National University (1988); National Chengchi University in Taiwan (1989); Chulalongkorn University (1989); the East-West Center (1995); and the National Institute for Research Advancement in Tokyo (1999) and spoken at more than fifty universities and think tanks across the region.
An advocate of cooperative and human security, he has been studying and promoting policy-related activity on track-two security processes and the construction of multilateral institutions since 1988. He was a co-founder of the Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific (CSCAP), the Canadian Consortium on Human Security, and the co-founder of the Canada-Korea Forum. He has directed exchange and partnership projects with fifteen research institutes in Asia and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded by governments and foundations in Canada, Japan, the United States, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Between 1990 and 2002 he organized two dozen meetings involving participants from North Korea.
He is currently a Canadian representative on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Experts and Eminent Persons Group.
A member of the Global Council of the Asia Society in New York, he also sits on the editorial boards of The Pacific Review, the Chinese Journal of International Politics, the China Quarterly for International Strategic Studies, and Mexico y la Cuenca del Pacifico.
His graduate and undergraduate teaching at UBC focused on Global China and World Order.
The author or editor of seven books, his first was a biography of John Fairbank, his most popular the two editions of a lexicon of Asia Pacific security terminology (with David Capie), and his most recent “Engaging China: Myth, Aspiration and Strategy in Canadian Policy from Trudeau to Harper,” published in 2014.
His recent writings and media commentaries have focused on Canada-China relations, Asian security dynamics, and the emergence of techno-nationalism as a defining force in regional affairs. Some of them are available here and on his blog. His condensed academic CV is available here, and his complete academic CV is available here.
He is married to Catherine Evans and they plan to remain resident in Vancouver.

David T. Fung, B.Eng., M. Eng., Ph.D., PEng (BC), FEC, C. Dir., LL.D. (Hon.), D.Sc. (Hon.)
CEO
ACDEG International Inc.
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors
Canada China Business Council
Dr. Fung is the co-founder, Board Chair and CEO of the ACDEG Group of companies, a global technology integrator. Over the past 35 years, he has founded, co-founded or restructured over 25 business ventures/corporations in agri-food, manufacturing, wholesale distribution and clean technologies in North America, Europe and Asia.
Dr. Fung is also the Founding Scientist of EM Fluids Inc. of Ottawa (ON) with water remediation projects on six continents. He is the co-inventor of 46 issued or allowed patents with more than 30 patent applications pending on a variety of chemical technologies including a highly disruptive discovery on the disproportionate responses of the physicochemical properties of liquids to minute external stimuli.
Besides the ACDEG Group of companies, his board experience includes Chair of the Chemical Institute of Canada, Co-chair of the Members of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, National Board Chair of Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters Association, Chair of China Committee of International Science & Technology Partnership Canada, Vice-chair of the national boards of Canada China Business Council, the Canadian Standards Association Group and the Management Board of National Zero Waste Council of Canada. He was the Chancellor and a member of the Board of Governors and the Senate of Capilano University of British Columbia, the President of the Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering, a member of the Steering Committee of the Metro Vancouver Regional Prosperity Initiative, a Senior Fellow of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada and a member of the Advisory Board of the McGill School of Religious Studies.
He was awarded the Canadian Asian of the Year (Business and Public Service), 2009 by Asia Network Canada, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, 2012 by the Governor General of Canada, the honorary Doctor of Law degree by Capilano University (BC) in 2014, the honorary Doctor of Science degree by Concordia University (Quebec) in 2020, the Award of Merit by the McGill Alumni Association in 2022 and Fellow of Engineers Canada in 2024.

Susan Gregson
Distinguished Fellow
Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada
Susan Gregson served in the Canadian public service with distinction for 35 years, occupying several senior executive positions. Between 2013 and 2016, she was Assistant Deputy Minister for Asia Pacific at Global Affairs Canada. Prior to her last assignment, she served as Assistant Deputy Minister for Human Resources, Director General of Assignments and Executive Management, Director General, Regional Strategies, World Markets Branch, and Director, Human Rights, Humanitarian Affairs and International Women’s Equality Division, all in the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade.
Ms. Gregson has also represented Canada abroad. Her most noteworthy assignments were as Deputy High Commissioner in London, Consul General of Canada in Shanghai and Minister-Counsellor at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing. She holds a B.A. in anthropology from the University of British Columbia and was Canada-China Scholar at Nankai University and Fudan University.
Since her retirement from the federal public service, Ms. Gregson has been a Senior Fellow at the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa and a Senior Fellow at the China Institute at the University of Alberta. Since 2018 she has also been a Senior Fellow with the Centre on Public Management and Policy at the University of Ottawa.

Joyce Lee
Partner and Chair of Asia Group
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Joyce Lee brings a unique perspective to her practice, skillfully uniting Canadian companies seeking Chinese investors with Chinese companies looking to expand into North America. She also regularly advises corporate executives in the financial sector about taking advantage of opportunities and navigating risk.
Born and raised in Hong Kong and with over 20 years experience working in the North American marketplace, Ms. Lee has both the cultural and business skills necessary to view potential deals from each party’s perspective. Her communication skills – she speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently – smoothly guide Asian companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors; and, the technology, life science and real estates industries.
Leadership teams from across Canada and Asia, including public companies listed on TSX, NYSE, HK Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange asset management companies and investment firms, frequently solicit Ms. Lee’s advice on how to grow their business and make strategic moves in the marketplace, whether within Canada or abroad.
As Chair of the firm’s Asia Group and a regular speaker at conferences and seminars focused on business from China and the Asia Pacific region, Ms. Lee has earned an international reputation as an authority in her field.

Lotta Ygartua
Regional Director, Western Canada
Canada China Business Council
As Regional Director of Western Canada, Lotta Ygartua is responsible for building the CCBC membership base throughout the region by connecting Canadian and Chinese businesses, promoting Canada-China bilateral trade, organizing events and supporting the delivery of member services. Ms. Ygartua has over 10 years of marketing experience in the technology, marketing research, communications and art sectors. Prior to joining CCBC, she was Marketing Manager at the China-Britain Business Council based in the UK, promoting trade and business with China and organizing high-calibre events involving the Chinese Premier and the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Ms. Ygartua spent several years living in China, where she studied and worked for a local company that developed products for the Chinese market. Ms. Ygartua studied Mandarin at the University of Nanjing and Nanjing Normal University. She holds a BA in Chinese and BSc in Social and Economic Geography from Uppsala University, Sweden.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

[SOLD OUT] Rapid and Sustainable Growth: Innovative Strategies for Chinese-Canadian Businesses - Second Edition Forum
2025-02-12 13:00 - 16:00 (America/Toronto) | University of Toronto, Hart House, Debate Room, 7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H3, Canada
The Second Edition Forum of Rapid and Sustainable Growth: Innovative Strategies for Chinese-Canadian Businesses will be hosted by the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) at the University of Toronto on February 12, 2025.
The First Edition Forum, held in 2024, was a resounding success in Toronto, with registration exceeding capacity by 33%. At that event, representatives from Toronto’s business and academic communities shared valuable insights on corporate development in Canadian and Chinese markets. Attendees also participated in discussions about brand value and revenue growth strategies with Mr. Noah Xie, Chairman of Kmind Consulting.
The upcoming Second Edition Forum is set against the backdrop of the VUCA era, where conventional strategic theories often fall short. Enterprises today require innovative strategies to enhance their core competencies and navigate these challenging times. Kmind Consulting offers a compelling solution: its Next Generation Strategy, a blend of Eastern and Western wisdom to enable companies to achieve market leadership.
CCBC is honoured to welcome Mr. Xie for the second time as a keynote speaker. He will share how Kmind Consulting draws inspiration from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War and Western management theories. His presentation will explain how Kmind’s Next Generation Strategy enables Eastern and Western wisdom to function in harmony and reinforce each other, helping enterprises fend off cutthroat competition and achieve solid and sustainable growth.
Following the presentation, Mr. Xie will participate in a panel discussion alongside renowned entrepreneurs and corporate executives from different industries to shed light on the power of strategy in the VUCA era. The forum will conclude with a Q&A session, providing attendees the opportunity to engage directly with leading strategists and gain fresh perspectives to inspire creative ideas. We warmly invite you to register this event.
2025年2月12日，由加中贸易理事会（CCBC）主办的第二届“加中企业快速可持续发展论坛”将于加拿大多伦多大学召开。
2024年第一届论坛备受社会各界瞩目，报名人数超额33%，现场的火热氛围也让加中企业论坛成为多伦多的商界盛事。论坛邀请到了多伦多各界代表出席，共同探讨企业在加拿大和中国市场的发展经验，并与君智战略咨询董事长谢伟山先生共话品牌价值提升及营收增长策略。
2025年，第二届论坛如期而至。在充满不确定性的“乌卡时代”（VUCA Era），传统战略理论的局限性已日益凸显。企业经营者想跳出“乌卡时代”的困惑与迷雾，需主动拥抱新的思想，提升企业核心竞争力。而在东西方战略的碰撞中，君智所独创的“新一代战略”正释放出强大的影响力，助力企业赢得商业竞争，展现中西智慧的融合创新之美。
加中贸易理事会有幸再次邀请到谢伟山先生，为大家分享如何从《孙子兵法》与西方管理理论中汲取灵感，让中西两种智慧、文化与气质在“新一代战略”中共生共存、交相辉映，助力企业从激烈的竞争格局中脱颖而出，实现高质量可持续增长。
本届论坛特别设置了讨论环节，来自多个行业的知名企业家、高管齐聚一堂，与谢伟山先生共同探讨如何在“乌卡时代”的商业迷雾中，找到战略破局之道。论坛最后，我们也将开放观众提问，为您提供直接对话战略领袖的宝贵机会，激发更多创新思考。欢迎注册参加。
Event Language: Mandarin / 普通话
Tickets:
CCBC Members: Free; Non-Members: $100 + HST
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
University of Toronto, Hart House, Debate Room
7 Hart House Circle
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 3H3
Agenda:
1:00 pm – 1:30 pm EST: Registration and Networking
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm EST: Welcome and Opening Remarks, Keynote Speech, Panel Discussion and Q&A, Closing Remarks
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm EST: Networking
About the Speakers:
Noah XIE
Founder and Chairman
Kmind Consulting

With over two decades of professional experience and research, Mr. Noah Xie has guided over a hundred firms in developing their corporate strategy. Specializing in the fusion of Eastern wisdom with Western business theories, he navigates firms to secure strategic opportunities, build competitive advantages, and attain sustainable growth, positioning them as market leaders and driving industry development.
Since 2008, Mr. Xie has shared his strategic theories and insights, benefiting over 50,000 business owners. In June 2023, Mr. Xie presented the Next Generation Strategy at MIT, Brown University, and the Harvard Club of Boston, becoming the first Chinese expert to do so. In June 2024, Mr. Xie was invited to speak at MIT, Harvard University, and Harvard Club of Boston, where he had an in-depth discussion with Professor Robert Kaplan of Harvard Business School, and Peter Walker, Senior Partner Emeritus of McKinsey & Company.
In recent years, Mr. Xie has led Kmind in guiding dozens of firms to become industry leaders, including but not limited to China Feihe, Bosideng Group, Yadea Holdings, HOdo Group, GONEO, ANGEL, and Xiaoxiandun, leading seven companies to surpass an annual revenue of 10 billion RMB.
谢伟山
君智战略咨询
创始⼈ 董事⻓

谢伟山深研企业战略二十余年，主导了上百家企业战略咨询，具有深厚理论与丰富实践经验。他深谙商业之道，尤其擅长将东方智慧与西方理论融合应用于战略实践，帮助企业锁定战略机会、构建竞争优势，最终协助企业实现良性增长、成为行业龙头、引领行业发展。
自2008年起，谢伟山致力于将最新战略实践通过授课及论坛演讲等形式传授至广大企业家，至今影响企业家50000余名。2023年6月，谢伟山携“新一代战略”登陆哈佛CLUB、布朗及MIT，成为首位在哈佛波士顿俱乐部进行企业战略分享的中国专家。2024年6月，谢伟山再次受邀赴MIT及哈佛发表演讲，并于哈佛CLUB与哈佛商学院教授罗伯特·卡普兰和麦肯锡前全球董事彼得·沃克同台对话。
近年来，谢伟山带领君智成功协助包含飞鹤乳业、波司登羽绒服、雅迪控股、红豆集团、公牛集团、安吉尔高端净水、小仙炖鲜炖燕窝等行业龙头在内的数十家企业实现增长，助力其中七家企业营收突破百亿。

Chenggang HAN
General Manager
Canada Royal Milk
Mr. Chenggang HAN (Master in Veterinary Microbiology) joined Canada Royal Milk in 2018, where he initially served as Quality Manager until 2021. Since late 2021, Mr. Han has held the position of General Manager at Canada Royal Milk.
Commencing his dairy industry career in 2002, Mr. HAN has held various roles, including Area Supervisor, Quality Manager, Production Manager, Project Manager, Business Development Manager, and Factory Manager, at European enterprises operating in China, such as Nestlé, Bayer, and Food Union.
韩成钢
加拿大皇家妙可公司
总经理

韩成钢 是中国农科院预防兽医学硕士。
韩先生2018年加入加拿大皇家妙克公司，2018-2021年任质量经理，2021年底至今任加拿大皇家妙克公司总经理。 2002年开始入行乳制品行业，先后在雀巢，拜耳，food union等在华欧洲企业做过 奶区主管，质量经理，生产经理，项目经理，商务经理，工厂经理等不同职位。

Sheriden Huang
CEO
Willow Springs Winery
Sheriden Huang is a systematic problem-solver in management, specializing in business system modeling. He earned a postgraduate degree from Hull University in the United Kingdom and worked as a marketing researcher at Oxford Brookes Business School during the early 1990s. With extensive knowledge in business and a deep understanding of Chinese culture, he has continuously succeeded in international trade business for over 30 years across various industries.
Currently, Mr. Huang focuses on promoting Ontario wine both locally and internationally. Under his leadership, Willow Springs Winery has won multiple awards in recent years and is now one of the fastest-growing wineries in Ontario. Its wine sales have been steadily increasing year after year.
In addition to his work in the wine industry, Mr. Huang is active in community service. He is a director of the Markham Richmond Hill Vaughan Chinese Business Association and President of the Toronto Xiangqi (Chinese Chess) Association.
黄振发
首席执行官
柳泉酒庄

黄振发, 90年代初留学英国，在英国赫尔大学取得管理学院硕士学位，专注于管理学系统构建领域的研究，曾在牛津布鲁克斯学院担任市场学研究员， 三十年来，凭借丰富的商业知识和对国际贸易行业的不断了解，在商业经营上取得了不错的成绩。
黄振发目前担任柳泉酒莊总裁，专注于安省葡萄酒、冰酒在加拿大本地和国际市场的推广，在他的带领下，柳泉酒莊出产的葡萄酒和冰酒的市场声望和销量双双持续上升！柳泉酒莊的冰酒产量近年来稳居安省前十，并且已连续10年荣获加拿大和北美各项葡萄酒大赛的金奖，柳泉酒莊的葡萄酒和冰酒不仅进入多伦多高档餐厅酒单，还远销海外，赢得了来自海内外的认可和赞誉。
黄振发不仅全身心投入安省葡萄酒和冰酒的推广工作，他还积极参与社区工作，他目前担任万锦市、烈治文山市及旺市华商总会理事和多伦多象棋会的会长，为华人企业和主流社区之间建立桥梁，致力于促进商业发展及推动社区繁荣。

Tim Gu
Chairman
Unisync Group
Mr. Tim Gu is a distinguished entrepreneur and business leader with over 25 years of experience. As Chairman of Unisync Group (TSX: UNI.TO), a publicly traded company and one of Canada’s largest uniform suppliers, Mr. Gu has been instrumental in providing uniforms to top-tier clients such as Air Canada, WestJet, and Tim Hortons.
In his capacity as Owner and President of E.Star International Inc., he oversees a major apparel manufacturing operation, inclusive of three garment factories in the Toronto area, catering to prominent clients like Canada Goose and the Canadian Department of National Defense.
Additionally, Mr. Gu is the co-owner of Tilley Endurables Inc., renowned for its premium hats, and Willowwood School, a well-regarded Toronto-based private school with a 40-year history.
His diverse business portfolio extends to real estate investments and high-end custom home building. Mr. Gu’s commitment to community and business development is exemplified by his 23-year tenure as Vice President of the Scarborough York Region Business Association. Complementing his extensive practical experience is an MBA from the Rotman School, University of Toronto.
Tim Gu
集团董事长
Unisync Group
Tim Gu，是一位拥有超过25年经验的杰出企业家和商业领袖。作为Unisync Group（TSX：UNI.TO）的董事长，这是一家上市公司及加拿大最大的制服供应商之一，Tim在为加拿大航空、WestJet和Tim Hortons等顶级客户提供制服方面发挥了重要作用。
作为E.Star International Inc.的总裁，他负责监督重大的服装制造业务，包括三家位于多伦多地区的服装工厂，其显著客户包括加拿大鹅（Canada Goose）和加拿大国防部。
Tim还是以其高级帽子而闻名的Tilley Endurables Inc.的共同拥有者，以及拥有40年历史的尊贵多伦多私立学校——Willowood School的共同拥有者。
他的多元化商业兴趣包括房地产投资和高端定制住宅建造。Tim作为士嘉堡约克区商业协会副会长的23年任期，体现了他对社区和商业发展的承诺。他在多伦多大学Rotman商学院获得的MBA学位补充了他广泛的实践经验。

Philip Xie
General Manager
Midea Canada
Philip Xie is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in marketing, sales, and operations across manufacturing, retail, OEM, and eCommerce. He has a proven track record in driving business growth, leading cross-functional teams, and executing strategic initiatives to achieve significant market share and revenue growth in North America.
As General Manager of Midea Canada, Mr. Xie oversees more than 50 professionals, achieving 35% year-over-year growth and doubling eCommerce revenue. Under his leadership, Midea Canada secured the number 1 market share in microwaves, freezers, and air conditioners.
Previously, as Assistant General Manager at Midea America Corp., Mr. Xie led a 130-plus employee team, increasing Amazon sales sevenfold and building robust eCommerce operations. Through OMNI-channel strategies, he achieved substantial breakthroughs in Retailer.com sales.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Culture Exchange (English) from Sichuan International Studies University in China.
谢鹏
美的集团
加拿大分公司总经理
谢鹏先生在制造、零售、OEM 和电子商务的营销、销售和运营方面拥有20年跨国公司高管经验。他擅长推动业务增长、领导跨职能团队和执行战略计划以在北美实现显著的市场份额和收入增长。
作为美的加拿大分公司的总经理，谢先生领导 50 多名专业人员，实现了 35% 的同比增长和电子商务收入翻一番。在他的领导下，美的加拿大公司在微波炉、冰柜和空调领域获得了第一的市场份额。
此前，作为美国分公司副总经理，谢先生领导 130 多名员工的团队，将亚马逊的销售额提高了七倍，并建立了强大的电子商务运营体系。他通过全渠道战略，促进了公司产品在 Retailer.com 平台销售取得了重大突破。
他拥有四川外国语大学国际文化交流（英语）文学学士学位。

Jeff Zhang
Regional Director, Central Canada
Canada China Business Council
Jeff Zhang has over 30 years of international experience in private, public and non-profit organizations in a variety of sectors including E-commerce, oil and gas, retail, commercial real estate, education and financial services. Prior to joining the Canada China Business Council, Mr. Zhang worked in establishment and operation management at a Sino-Foreign joint venture company and in strategic partnership management at a Fortune 500 multinational company. He also led and assisted a number of Canadian companies and educational institutions into China where he was responsible for strategic partnerships and branding establishment.
Mr. Zhang has an MBA in marketing and international business from Concordia University in Montreal and is fluent in Mandarin and English. He is a frequent guest speaker at professional business associations in Canada.
Jeff Zhang
区域总监，加拿大中部地区
加中贸易理事会

Jeff Zhang拥有超过20多年服务于政府、私营以及非营利组织机构的国际经验，涉及的领域包括电子商务，石油和天然气，零售，商业房地产，教育和金融服务。 在加入CCBC之前，张先生在一家中外合资企业从事项目管理和公司运营管理工作，并在一家财富500强的跨国公司中从事过战略伙伴关系管理工作。 他还领导并协助了许多加拿大公司和教育机构进入中国，负责战略合作伙伴关系和品牌建立。
张先生拥有加拿大康考迪亚大学市场营销和国际商务MBA学位，精通英语和普通话。他经常受邀在加中两国商会活动中担任演讲嘉宾。
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

HKCBA Lunar New Year Celebration 2025
2025-02-05 17:00 - 21:00 (America/Toronto) | 2 R. de la Commune O, Montréal, Québec, H2Y 4B2, Canada
● Corporate tables identified with your company’s name for your guests; several partnership opportunities; individual tickets
● A networking cocktail with delicious Dim Sum followed by a traditional Cantonese supper
● Entertainment and a raffle
● A full evening of networking with potential business partners (over 200 participants expected).
For complete details, please click here.

[SOLD OUT] Lunar New Year Montreal Reception
2025-01-23 18:00 - 20:00 (America/Toronto) | National Bank of Canada / Banque Nationale du Canada, 800 Saint-Jacques Street, 36th Floor, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 1A3, Canada
Join us for an exclusive CCBC Lunar New Year cocktail reception on January 23, 2025, in Montreal at the head office of National Bank of Canada. Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the CCBC Quebec community and gain insights into the evolving Canada-China economic landscape.
CCBC is delighted to announce the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien, former Prime Minister of Canada, will attend this milestone event in CCBC’s leadership and share remarks and offer festive wishes. We are honoured to have Mr. DAI Yuming, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal, provide remarks for the occasion. We also look forward to hearing from Vincent Joli-Coeur, Chairman, Asia Pacific, National Bank of Canada and Vice-Chairman, Financial Markets, and the Honourable Martin Cauchon, Vice-Chair of the CCBC Board of Directors and Special Advisor, Counsel, at DS Lawyers Canada, as they share their respective insights into Canada-China business relationships.
This event celebrates the farewell of Sarah Kutulakos, who served as CCBC’s Executive Director and COO for nearly 18 years, and welcomes her successor, Bijan Ahmadi, who officially assumed the role on January 1, 2025, with both joining us from Toronto for the celebration. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Lunar New Year traditions while exploring the dynamic Canada-China business environment.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $25 + tax
Non-Members: $100 + tax
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members and invited guests.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.
Address:
National Bank of Canada
800 Saint-Jacques Street, 36th Floor
Montreal, Quebec

Agenda:
5:30 pm – 6:00 pm EST: Registration and Networking.
Please check in at the lobby security desk of the new National Bank of Canada headquarters (800 Saint-Jacques) before proceeding to the 36th floor.
6:00 pm – 6:45 pm EST: Welcome and Opening Remarks, Special Remarks
6:45 pm – 8:00 pm EST: Networking
For inquiries, please contact Claire Zhang at claire@ccbc.com.
About the Speakers:
The Right Honourable Jean Chrétien,
P.C., C.C., O.M., Q.C., Ad. E
Mr. Jean Chrétien was born in Shawinigan, Québec, Canada. Mr. Chrétien completed his law studies at Université Laval and was admitted to the Québec Bar in 1958. He is also a member of the Ontario Bar.
Mr. Chrétien was elected Member of the House of Commons in 1963. During his career, he also served as Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance, Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs and Minister in charge of Social Development.
Mr. Chrétien was sworn in as Canada’s 20th Prime Minister of Canada in November 1993 after winning a majority of the seats in the House of Commons. During his tenure he was re-elected with majorities in 1997 and 2000. As Prime Minister, Mr. Chrétien stressed balanced budgets, national unity and a strengthened place for Canada in the world. His government’s legacy also includes a number of social reform and humanitarian initiatives.
Mr. Chrétien left the Office of Prime Minister of Canada on December 12, 2003. In February 2014, Mr. Chrétien joined Dentons Canada LLP as counsel.
In 2007, Mr. Chrétien was appointed Companion of the Order of Canada.
In 2008, he became co-president of the InterAction Council, an international organization that mobilizes the experience, energy and international networks of former Heads of State and Government. Council members jointly develop recommendations and practical solutions for the political, economic and social problems confronting the global community.
In 2009, he was awarded the Order of Merit by Her Majesty Elizabeth II.

DAI Yuming
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal
Mr. DAI Yuming has assumed the position of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal since December 2022. Since 1992, he worked at different positions in Department of African Affairs, Department of Personnel and Department of Policy Planning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and served several terms at the Chinese Embassies in Liberia, the United States, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Israel. He was also Deputy Mayor of Sanya City, Hainan Province, from 2016 to 2019.

Vincent Joli-Coeur
Chairman, Asia Pacific, National Bank of Canada
and Vice-Chairman, Financial Markets
Vincent Joli-Coeur joined National Bank of Canada in 2011 as Vice-Chairman Financial Markets. He is responsible for senior coverage of our corporate, government, and institutional clients.
In his career of 30 years in the financial services field, Mr. Joli-Coeur has acted as a trusted advisor to large Canadian and International companies in various industries and has been involved in some of Canada’s largest capital markets and infrastructure financings. Recently, Mr. Joli-Coeur led the team behind National Bank of Canada’s successful inaugural Panda Bond issuance of RMB3.5 billion in the People’s Republic of China, the first issuance of its kind for a North American bank.
In addition to his professional activities, Mr. Joli-Coeur is also actively involved in his community. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Université de Sherbrooke. He is also involved in several charitable organizations’ financing campaigns.
Mr. Joli-Coeur has a Master’s degree in business administration from Université Paris Dauphine in France.

The Honourable Martin Cauchon, P.C., LL.M., ICD.D, Ad. E.
Special Advisor, Counsel
DS Lawyers Canada LLP
Vice-Chair, Board of Directors
Canada China Business Council
Martin Cauchon has had a distinguished career. First elected as a Member of Parliament in October 1993, he has held many positions in the Government of Canada. He has served as Secretary of State (Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec), Minister of National Revenue, and Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada. In 2013, he was an official candidate in the leadership race of the Liberal Party of Canada. From 2015 to 2019, he was also a shareholder and Executive Chairman of Groupe Capitales Médias, which gave him a better understanding of the challenges facing the print media in a digital world.
Mr. Cauchon’s unparalleled experience in government and the private sector has given him a deep understanding of a wide range of issues. As counsel at DS Lawyers Canada, he advises companies on the various issues facing the knowledge economy and the globalization of markets, taking into account geopolitical factors. Mr. Cauchon also facilitates the creation of partnerships at the provincial, national, and international levels.
Having established relationships with several counterparts in China, Martin Cauchon has acquired a good knowledge of that market, which allows him to intervene in projects that are related to the Canada-China relationship.
After obtaining a law degree from the University of Ottawa, Mr. Cauchon became a member of the Quebec Bar in 1985 and completed a master degree in International Business Law in 1991, at the University of Exeter, in England. He was the 2004 recipient of the Equality Forum’s International Role Model Award. In 2015, he received the honorary distinction of “Advocatus emeritus” and “Le Mérite” from the Quebec Bar. He is also Vice Chair, Board of Directors of the Canada China Business Council and Chair of its Quebec Chapter Advisory Council. He also serves on the board of directors of several companies.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

Sarah Kutulakos
Former Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Sarah Kutulakos joined the CCBC in 2007 and revitalized CCBC’s role as Canada’s premier bilateral trade and investment organization. During her tenure, Ms. Kutulakos re-centered the Council’s activities around providing business services, catalyzing business growth and activity, and advocating for stronger Sino-Canadian bilateral trade and investment. This has resulted in extensive public outreach activities, internal infrastructure improvements, the launch of new programs such as the Business Incubation Centre, and thriving member relations.
Prior to joining CCBC, Ms. Kutulakos worked for 11 years in marketing, product development, and management with a major multinational corporation, where she had multiple assignments involving China. Ms. Kutulakos managed worldwide product businesses that marketed to China and used China-based sources of supply. She was also involved in several projects requiring cooperation with the Chinese government. Ms. Kutulakos has led both established and start-up businesses within the context of a global corporation and has broad emerging market business experience, and has been involved in the Greater China region since the late 1980s when she lived and worked in Taiwan. There, she was the first non-Chinese employee of a local high-tech start-up firm, where she gained a deep understanding of Chinese business practices.
A fluent Mandarin speaker, Ms. Kutulakos’s interest in China began at the University of Wisconsin, where she studied Chinese, marketing, and international business. She holds an MBA in finance and operations from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. She frequently speaks on China issues, including marketing, trade, investment, and Canada-China relations.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

[SOLD OUT] Lunar New Year Toronto Reception – Business Outlook of 2025
2025-01-17 16:30 - 19:30 (America/Toronto) | Scotia Plaza, Scotiabank Centre, 40 King St. W, 2nd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Join CCBC for an exclusive Lunar New Year cocktail reception on Friday, January 17, 2025, in Toronto. We are honoured to have Mr. LUO Weidong, Consul General of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto, provide China’s economic priorities in 2025, along with opening remarks from Alex Besharat, Executive Vice President and Head, Canadian Wealth Management, Scotiabank. Rebekah Young, Vice President, Economist, Scotiabank, will offer her perspectives on the global economic outlook for 2025 and beyond, including international trade and the investment landscape.
This event celebrates the farewell of Sarah Kutulakos, who has served as CCBC’s Executive Director and COO for nearly 18 years, and welcomes her successor, Bijan Ahmadi, the newly appointed Executive Director and COO of CCBC. CCBC President Graham Shantz will also share remarks during the event.
In the spirit of Lunar New Year festivities, guests can participate in various lucky draws for exciting prizes. Kindly remember to bring along your business cards to participate in the lucky draws. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the richness of Lunar New Year traditions while gaining valuable insights into the dynamic Canada-China business landscape.
The catering at the event may include seafood and other common allergens.
Please kindly ask and avoid them if you have any dietary restrictions at the event.

Tickets:
CCBC Members: $25+HST; Non-Members: $100+HST
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.
Click here to register.
Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event. If you are unable to attend, cancellations must be received in writing 72 hours prior to the event. No shows will be charged.
Address:
Scotia Plaza
Scotiabank Centre, 40 King St. W, 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
Special Guest Remarks:
LUO Weidong
Consul General
Chinese Consulate General in Toronto
Mr. LUO Weidong was born in December 1967 and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree.
He began his career in 1990 in the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, which is now the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China.
He assumed his role as Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Toronto in September 2023.
About the Speakers:
Alex Besharat
Executive Vice President and Head, Canadian Wealth Management
Scotiabank
Alex Besharat is Executive Vice President and Head of Canadian Wealth Management. He is responsible for defining and implementing the strategic direction, goals and values for Canadian Wealth Management, including ScotiaMcLeod, Private Banking, Scotia iTRADE, MD Financial Management, Private Investment Counsel and Scotiatrust businesses. Mr. Besharat has more than 35 years of wealth management experience, and over the course of his career, has been recognized for his strategic leadership, relationship management expertise and unwavering focus on client-centered, comprehensive wealth management solutions.

Rebekah Young
Vice President, Economist
Scotiabank
Rebekah Young is an economist with Scotiabank Economics. As Vice-President, she provides thought leadership on a broad range of economic trends that will impact long-term growth in Canada and abroad including evolving demographics, housing affordability, fiscal sustainability, and the green transition to cite a few. She also actively probes near-term economic and policy developments. Previously, she held senior roles at the IMF, the Canadian Department of Finance, and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Gautam Mohorikar
Director, Partnerships
Scotiabank
Gautam Mohorikar is a seasoned leader with a strong background in financial services, marketing, and strategic partnerships. With extensive experience across business strategy, client acquisition, and cultural segment development, he has consistently delivered impactful results by fostering collaboration and driving innovation. With proven track record to build meaningful partnerships and generate growth and value, Mr. Mohorikar is committed to driving sustainable success and driving transformational outcomes. He holds an MBA in Marketing and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Marketing Analysis.

Graham Shantz
President
Canada China Business Council
Graham Shantz served for over 25 years in Canada’s public service providing advice to Canadian governments, mainly on management of Canada’s relations with Asia. He has lived and worked for over 12 years in Asia, half of that in China. In Ottawa, Mr. Shantz has worked in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada, the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. In 2000-2001 he served as Canada’s lead negotiator for Foreign Investment Protection Agreements (FIPAs) and in 1996-1997 served as deputy chief negotiator for the Canadian team during China’s WTO accession talks. Over the past decades, Mr. Shantz has been involved in numerous major bilateral visits between Canadian and Chinese leaders.
Mr. Shantz has served on the Board of Directors of the Asia Pacific Foundation (2013-2016) and on the Board of Directors of the Centre for International Governance Innovation (2006-2009). He served as Canada’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain (2009-2012) and ended his career in the public service in senior management positions in Global Affairs Canada’s Asia Branch.
A Mandarin speaker, Mr. Shantz pursued his interest in China while studying economics at Goshen College in Indiana. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs from Carleton University’s Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. He also pursued language and economics studies in China, including at Beijing University and Xiamen University, under the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program.

Bijan Ahmadi
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Bijan Ahmadi serves as the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), overseeing the operations and activities of the Council across its seven chapters in Canada and China.
Before joining CCBC, he co-founded and served as the Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024. IPD is a non-partisan think tank operating in Canada and the United States, dedicated to fostering constructive engagement and interest-based thinking in international affairs.
During his tenure at IPD, Mr. Ahmadi launched the organization’s Asia research program in 2020 and its flagship annual conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF), in Ottawa in 2021. Today, IPSF is recognized as Canada’s premier conference on the country’s engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. He was also the co-editor of Canada-China Brief, a biweekly policy newsletter providing the latest developments and expert insights on political and economic relations between Ottawa and Beijing.
In his work on China, Mr. Ahmadi has advised large corporations and SMEs on navigating Canada-China trade, policy, and regulatory developments. He has also spearheaded the publication of numerous research reports on China and Canada-China relations and led Track 2 diplomacy initiatives in collaboration with Chinese and American research institutions.
Mr. Ahmadi holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Before founding IPD, Mr. Ahmadi worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors, where he honed his skills in organizational leadership and operational planning. He also served on the executive boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council.

Sarah Kutulakos
Former Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Sarah Kutulakos joined the CCBC in 2007 and revitalized CCBC’s role as Canada’s premier bilateral trade and investment organization. During her tenure, Ms. Kutulakos re-centered the Council’s activities around providing business services, catalyzing business growth and activity, and advocating for stronger Sino-Canadian bilateral trade and investment. This has resulted in extensive public outreach activities, internal infrastructure improvements, the launch of new programs such as the Business Incubation Centre, and thriving member relations.
Prior to joining CCBC, Ms. Kutulakos worked for 11 years in marketing, product development, and management with a major multinational corporation, where she had multiple assignments involving China. Ms. Kutulakos managed worldwide product businesses that marketed to China and used China-based sources of supply. She was also involved in several projects requiring cooperation with the Chinese government. Ms. Kutulakos has led both established and start-up businesses within the context of a global corporation and has broad emerging market business experience, and has been involved in the Greater China region since the late 1980s when she lived and worked in Taiwan. There, she was the first non-Chinese employee of a local high-tech start-up firm, where she gained a deep understanding of Chinese business practices.
A fluent Mandarin speaker, Ms. Kutulakos’s interest in China began at the University of Wisconsin, where she studied Chinese, marketing, and international business. She holds an MBA in finance and operations from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. She frequently speaks on China issues, including marketing, trade, investment, and Canada-China relations.

Jeff Zhang
Regional Director, Central Canada
Canada China Business Council
Jeff Zhang has over 30 years of international experience in private, public and non-profit organizations in a variety of sectors including E-commerce, oil and gas, retail, commercial real estate, education and financial services. Prior to joining the Canada China Business Council, Mr. Zhang worked in establishment and operation management at a Sino-Foreign joint venture company and in strategic partnership management at a Fortune 500 multinational company. He also led and assisted a number of Canadian companies and educational institutions into China where he was responsible for strategic partnerships and branding establishment.
Mr. Zhang has an MBA in marketing and international business from Concordia University in Montreal and is fluent in Mandarin and English. He is a frequent guest speaker at professional business associations in Canada.
Photography/Filming: By taking part in this event, you grant the Canada China Business Council full rights to use any images resulting from photography/video filming.

2024 Christmas Dinner Gala in Beijing
2024-12-13 18:00 - 22:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | Park Hyatt Beijing, No. 2 Jianguomenwai Street, Chaoyang District, Beijing, China
Please join CanCham Beijing and the British Chamber for our first ever joint Christmas Gala, on Friday, December 13. This year’s joint Christmas event brings an even bigger helping of festive cheer to Beijing.
Whether it’s enjoying a glass of delicious mulled wine and canapés from La Maison Lyonnaise around our six-metre tall Christmas tree, tucking into a delicious Christmas turkey from Park Hyatt Beijing, or enjoying the plethora of entertainment we’ve got lined up for you, there’s plenty to be getting you in the festive spirit.
We’ll also have plenty on for the whole family at this festive event – our younger guests can enjoy an evening in Santa’s Grotto, where they can try their hand at making Christmas decorations, write their Christmas lists for Father Christmas, and snap a picture on Santa’s knee. Special Christmas meals for children are available on request.
Or, bring your office Christmas party and all your presents to put under the tree for your Secret Santa. Let us do all the hard work of planning out a special night for your teammates, leaving you a chance to enjoy our delightful Christmas dinner, drinks, and entertainment.
With special discounts for CanCham & CCBC members and their guests, as well as for tables of ten, it’ll be an excellent night full of Christmas cheer and fun!
Carollers from Dulwich College Beijing will be keeping you filled with the festive spirit, while presents from Father Christmas’s Prize Draw will be sure to make your evening special.
Enjoy delectable canapés and cocktails with a Christmas twist upon arrival, before sitting down for a mouthwatering meal. Will you go traditional with a delicious Christmas turkey dinner, enjoy a delicious sea bass in yuzu sauce, or indulge in a black truffle mushroom lasagne? The choice is yours! After dinner is over, join us for entertainment, dancing and more. With a live band and entertainment throughout the evening, we’ll be keeping the festive spirit going until late.
Each attendee will also receive a very special giftbag from BritCham, CanCham and our partners filled with Christmas treats sure to make your festive season sparkle.
Tickets are available now! Tickets include a three-course meal, unlimited festive drinks, entertainment for the evening, and much more!
Corporate Tables: RMB 13,500
Table of ten: RMB 11,000
Member tickets: RMB 1,200
Public tickets: RMB 1,350

Strengthening Ties: Insights on Sustaining Canada-China Engagement
2024-12-04 15:00 - 17:30 (America/Vancouver) | Fasken – Vancouver, 550 Burrard St, Bentall 5, #2900, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0A3, Canada
Join us for a captivating afternoon of networking, insights, and celebration. Following CCBC’s 46th AGM & Business Forum in Beijing, we’ll delve into the intricacies of the evolving Canada-China relationship. Our session will feature Sarah Kutulakos, CCBC Executive Director and COO, as she shares key takeaways from the AGM convergence, including: The US Election and its Impact on Both Canada and China; Agrifood Innovation and the Triple Challenge; and Energy Transition – Comparing and Contrasting Canada and China’s Approach.
With both countries navigating pressing topics—from shifting Chinese consumer habits, natural resource management, investment opportunities, and Indigenous engagement—this event will energize the Canada-China bilateral business community and offer an opportunity to discuss pathways forward.
Celebrate the holiday season and bid farewell to CCBC’s Executive Director after nearly 18 years of dedicated leadership. Following the AGM highlights, enjoy a fireside chat with Sarah and Paul Evans, Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia, reflecting on her remarkable tenure. Cap off the day with a lively reception as we toast to new collaborations and ring in the holidays together.
Address:
Fasken, 550 Burrard St, Bentall 5, #2900, Vancouver, BC, V6C 0A3
Tickets:
• CCBC Member: $35 + tax
• Non-Members: $70 + tax
Space is limited, so please register at this link to secure your spot. For any questions, please contact Lotta Ygartua, Regional Director, Western Canada, at lotta@ccbc.com.
About the Speakers:
Sarah Kutulakos
Executive Director and COO
Canada China Business Council
Sarah Kutulakos joined the CCBC in 2007 and has since revitalized CCBC’s role as Canada’s premier bilateral trade and investment organization. Ms. Kutulakos has re-centered the Council’s activities around providing business services, catalyzing business growth and activity, and advocating for stronger Sino-Canadian bilateral trade and investment. This has resulted in extensive public outreach activities, internal infrastructure improvements, the launch of new programs such as the Business Incubation Centre, and thriving member relations.
Prior to joining CCBC, Ms. Kutulakos worked for 11 years in marketing, product development, and management with a major multinational corporation, where she had multiple assignments involving China. Ms. Kutulakos managed worldwide product businesses that marketed to China and used China-based sources of supply. She was also involved in several projects requiring cooperation with the Chinese government. Ms. Kutulakos has led both established and start-up businesses within the context of a global corporation and has broad emerging market business experience, and has been involved in the Greater China region since the late 1980s when she lived and worked in Taiwan. There, she was the first non-Chinese employee of a local high-tech start-up firm, where she gained a deep understanding of Chinese business practices.
A fluent Mandarin speaker, Ms. Kutulakos’s interest in China began at the University of Wisconsin, where she studied Chinese, marketing, and international business. She holds an MBA in finance and operations from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. She frequently speaks on China issues, including marketing, trade, investment, and Canada-China relations.

Paul Evans
Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Paul Evans (PhD with distinction Dalhousie University 1982) retired from UBC in June 2023 after 43 years of university teaching. He is currently Professor Emeritus.
His academic appointments have been as follows:

Assistant Professor, Acadia University, 1980-81
Assistant, Associate and Professor, Department of Political Science, York University, 1981-97;
Director, University of Toronto – York University Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, 1991-96;
Visiting Professor, Asia Center, Harvard University, 1997-99;
Acting Director, Liu Institute for Global Issues, 2004-5;
Director, Institute of Asian Research, 2008-11 and 2014;
Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong, 2011 and 2013;
Visiting Professor and Head of the International Academic Advisory Panel to the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, 2013-16.
Visiting Pok Rafeah Chair, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 2022-23.

Between 2005 and 2008, he was seconded from UBC to serve as the Co-CEO and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. And between 2020 and 2023 he held the HSBC Chair in Asian Research at UBC.
A regionalist rather than country specialist, he has held visiting fellowships at the Australian National University (1988); National Chengchi University in Taiwan (1989); Chulalongkorn University (1989); the East-West Center (1995); and the National Institute for Research Advancement in Tokyo (1999) and spoken at more than fifty universities and think tanks across the region.
An advocate of cooperative and human security, he has been studying and promoting policy-related activity on track-two security processes and the construction of multilateral institutions since 1988. He was a co-founder of the Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific (CSCAP), the Canadian Consortium on Human Security, and the co-founder of the Canada-Korea Forum. He has directed exchange and partnership projects with fifteen research institutes in Asia and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded by governments and foundations in Canada, Japan, the United States, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Between 1990 and 2002 he organized two dozen meetings involving participants from North Korea.
He is currently a Canadian representative on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Experts and Eminent Persons Group.
A member of the Global Council of the Asia Society in New York, he also sits on the editorial boards of The Pacific Review, the Chinese Journal of International Politics, the China Quarterly for International Strategic Studies, and Mexico y la Cuenca del Pacifico.
His graduate and undergraduate teaching at UBC focused on Global China and World Order.
The author or editor of seven books, his first was a biography of John Fairbank, his most popular the two editions of a lexicon of Asia Pacific security terminology (with David Capie), and his most recent “Engaging China: Myth, Aspiration and Strategy in Canadian Policy from Trudeau to Harper,” published in 2014.
His recent writings and media commentaries have focused on Canada-China relations, Asian security dynamics, and the emergence of techno-nationalism as a defining force in regional affairs. Some of them are available here and on his blog. His condensed academic CV is available here, and his complete academic CV is available here.
He is married to Catherine Evans and they plan to remain resident in Vancouver.

Lotta Ygartua
Regional Director, Western Canada
Canada China Business Council
As Regional Director of Western Canada, Lotta Ygartua is responsible for building the CCBC membership base throughout the region by connecting Canadian and Chinese businesses, promoting Canada-China bilateral trade, organizing events and supporting the delivery of member services. Ms. Ygartua has over 10 years of marketing experience in the technology, marketing research, communications and art sectors. Prior to joining CCBC, she was Marketing Manager at the China-Britain Business Council based in the UK, promoting trade and business with China and organizing high-calibre events involving the Chinese Premier and the Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Ms. Ygartua spent several years living in China, where she studied and worked for a local company that developed products for the Chinese market. Ms. Ygartua studied Mandarin at the University of Nanjing and Nanjing Normal University. She holds a BA in Chinese and BSc in Social and Economic Geography from Uppsala University, Sweden.

Notice of CCBC Annual General Meeting (AGM Business Meeting)
2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:00 (Asia/Shanghai) | 79/F Beijing Room, China World Summit Wing, Beijing, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing, 100004, China
As a non-profit organization, under the Canada Corporations Act, CCBC must annually hold a general meeting of members to:

Proceed with the examination and approval of the financial statements
Appoint an auditor, and
Elect directors of the Corporation

Date: Saturday, November 16, 2024
10:00 am – 11:00 am Local Beijing Time
Location: 79/F Beijing Room, China World Summit Wing, Beijing
No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue, Beijing
100004, China
Seating is limited. Attendance is free.
Members are allowed to send more than one representative, but each member firm is allowed one vote. Only members in good standing may attend and vote or submit a proxy.
Please indicate your intention below and return by email to coordinator@ccbc.com by Friday, November 8, 2024.
Company Name: __________
Company Representative’s Name: __________
Email: __________
Telephone: __________
I will attend the Business Meeting (yes/no): __________
PROXY VOTE
As a member, you have the right to appoint a proxy if you are not able to attend in person. Please copy the below statement or download the PDF version here, and send it with your signature to coordinator@ccbc.com by the date indicated above.
The undersigned would like to be represented by proxy (power of attorney). Please note that s. 3.09 of By-Law No. 1: Conduct of Internal Affairs, states that a member may appoint a proxy (who need not be a member of the Corporation) “in order to attend the meeting and to act in the manner and within the limits of the mandate granted by the proxy.” Such an instrument must be in writing and signed by the mandatory (i.e. the member granting the proxy). Members wishing to grant a general proxy for business to be conducted at the meeting are therefore urged to state specifically in writing that the individual named as proxy is entitled to vote for, against, or to abstain from voting in respect of any matter properly brought before the meeting and generally to exercise all powers such individual has as a member at such meeting.

___________________________________________________
(Member’s Signature)
Please select one:
☐ I name Graham Shantz as my proxy at the 2024 CCBC AGM Business Meeting.
☐ I name ______________________________ as my proxy at the 2024 CCBC AGM Business Meeting.

CCBC 46th AGM & Business Forum
2024-11-15 | Beijing, China
CCBC will build on our successful 45th AGM & Business Forum, which brought substantial reengagement energy to the business community. We will again link the event with incoming delegations and welcome Canadian groups from all three levels of government to include this event in their plans. In an environment where our competitor countries are actively engaging at all levels, the AGM is a platform that allows Canada to stand a little taller among those competitors, drawing positive attention to Canada among business partners, Chinese officials, and other stakeholders.
Registration is now open. Visit ccbcagm.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Creative ideas for sponsorships are welcome, contact Sarah Kutulakos (sarah@ccbc.com) to discuss.

CCBC 2024 Canadian Education Mission to China
2024-11-13 - 2024-11-15 | Beijing, Tianjin and Langfang, China
In 2024, Canadian Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) are navigating new challenges in school partnerships and student recruitment in China. Recent announcements from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) about study permit application caps, provincial attestation letter (PAL) processes, and changes to post-graduate work permits and spousal work permit eligibility have introduced uncertainties. Though still a top destination for Chinese students, Canada now faces intense competition from the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Asian countries. To maintain their competitive edge, Canadian educational institutions must actively engage with their Chinese counterparts.
From November 13-15, CCBC will lead the 2024 Canadian Education Mission to China for delegates from Canadian universities, colleges, high schools, language centres, and educational service companies. The Mission will include meetings with counterparts from Chinese universities, colleges, high schools, educational service companies, and Chinese officials from affiliated organizations of the Ministry of Education. Two routes are planned for school visits and meetings on November 13 and 14, focusing on school partnerships and recruitments across 12 destinations. On November 15, CCBC will host the 2024 Canada Education Forum, inviting representatives from Chinese universities, colleges, high schools, and education agencies across China to engage with Mission delegates.
The three-day program will also encompass CCBC’s 46th AGM and Business Forum. Furthermore, local educational service companies will provide opportunities for Canadian schools to hold mini-education fairs at their facilities in the days following the Mission.
Click here for more information and to apply.

CCBC 2024 Indigenous Business Mission to China
2024-11-13 - 2024-11-15 | Beijing, China
As Indigenous businesses, development corporations and business organizations pursue growth and build infrastructure, China’s growing market poses unique opportunities. With a rising consumer base and an increasing demand for natural resources, China presents immense potential for Indigenous enterprises looking to diversify and expand.
From November 13-15, CCBC will lead a delegation of up to 15 First Nations, Inuit, and Métis entrepreneurs, economic development executives, and Indigenous leaders on a business mission to Beijing. The 2024 Indigenous Business Mission to China aims to build connections and partnerships, helping delegates develop export markets and sources of investment to facilitate exports. CCBC has been leading business missions to China for over 40 years, and this marks our third mission focused on Indigenous groups.
The Mission will offer a series of activities, curated meetings, and business interactions to help delegates enhance their knowledge of business in China, broaden their in-market networks, and achieve their business goals. The three-day Mission includes CCBC’s 46th AGM and Business Forum, along with exclusive visits, meetings, and activities tailored to the delegation.
Click here for more information and to apply.

CCBC 2024 Women’s Business Mission to China
2024-11-11 - 2024-11-15 | Shanghai and Beijing, China
The CCBC Women in Business China Mission is designed to serve the interests of Canadian women business leaders and/or representatives of women-led companies responsible for business development or exports to China. This Mission is designed to help women business leaders forge and strengthen partnerships for export and accelerate their China business development.
Starting in Shanghai and concluding in Beijing, the five-day 2024 Women’s Business Mission to China offers high-level interactions with senior executives across various businesses and organizations. Delegates will expand their networks and deepen their understanding of current market conditions. Broaden your in-market networks, gain a competitive edge, and make significant strides towards achieving your business goals. Leveraging CCBC’s extensive network cultivated over 45 years, this Mission provides one-of-a-kind value, including meetings and in-market visits that would be difficult for delegates to arrange themselves.
The Mission’s final business roundtable draws participation from CCBC’s signature annual event, the 46th AGM and Business Forum, which convenes executives and dignitaries involved in Canada-China business. Delegates will also receive complimentary access to the morning and evening portions of this prestigious event.
Click here for more information and to apply.

CORIM Luncheon with H.E. WANG Di, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Canada
2024-10-31 11:30 - 13:45 (America/Toronto) | Plaza Centre-Ville, 777 boul. Robert-Bourassa, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3Z7, Canada
China-Canada Relations: Benefiting the Two Peoples
H.E. WANG Di, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Canada
Schedule:
11:30 am to 1:45 pm ET
The online event starts at 1:00 pm ET.
Location:
Plaza Centre-Ville
777 Robert-Bourassa Blvd.
Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3Z7
Registration deadline:
In-Person: October 29 at noon EDT
Online: October 30 at noon EDT
Please contact Claire Zhang, Quebec Chapter Director, at claire@ccbc.com, for inquiries.

HKCBA National Conference - Canada-Hong Kong: Forging a Bright Shared Future
2024-10-25 08:30 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver) | 837 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC, V6C 1B6, Canada
The stage is set for a dynamic gathering of minds at the annual Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) National Conference on October 25, 2024, in Vancouver, BC. Get ready to delve into the heart of innovation in partnerships, technology, and access Asian markets like never before. Canada and Hong Kong businesses are forging a path towards an electrifying future of collaboration and growth, and this conference is your gateway to seizing the opportunities it presents. From disruptive technologies to strategic alliances, this event promises to uncover new successful avenues in navigating the Asian market. Don’t miss out on this unparalleled chance to drive your business to new heights.
A $50 discount code for CCBC members is available; please reach out to your local Chapter Director for details:

Atlantic Chapter: Edward Dai
Quebec Chapter: Claire Zhang
Ontario Chapter: Jeff Zhang, Yuli Liu
Prairies Chapter and Territories: Lotta Ygartua
British Columbia Chapter: Lotta Ygartua
Beijing Chapter: David Perez-Des Rosiers
Shanghai Chapter: Edward Dai

The Future Unfolds: What’s Next for Canada-China Relations?
2024-10-22 16:30 - 18:30 (America/Vancouver) | McCarthy Tétrault LLP, Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 1V8, Canada
Amidst ongoing political changes, the relationship between Canada and China remains complex and dynamic. Join the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) for an exclusive evening of networking and insightful discussion on the future of Canada-China relations. Hear from leading experts as they delve into the key factors shaping this evolving landscape and offer perspectives on what lies ahead. Speakers include Timothy Cheek, Professor and Louis Cha Chair in Chinese Research, UBC; Paul Evans, Professor Emeritus at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, UBC; and Joyce Lee, Partner at McCarthy Tétrault LLP and CCBC Board Member.
This is a unique opportunity to engage in valuable discussions and forge connections with like-minded professionals and industry leaders that could shape the future of your business in the Canada-China context. Light refreshments will be served.
Space is limited, so please register at this link to secure your spot. For any questions, please contact Lotta Ygartua, Regional Director, Western Canada, at lotta@ccbc.com.

Address:
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Suite 2400, 745 Thurlow Street
Vancouver, BC, V6E 1V8
Register on the 24th floor and follow directions to the Rooftop Conference Centre, Stanley Park Room.
Tickets:
• CCBC Member: $35 + tax
• Non-Members: $60 + tax
Agenda:
4:30 pm PDT: Registration
5:00 pm PDT: Event starts
6:30 pm PDT: Events ends
About the Speakers:
Timothy Cheek
Professor; Co-Director, Centre for Chinese Research, IAR; Louis Cha Chair
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Timothy Cheek is a Professor with the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs and Department of History, Louis Cha Chair in Chinese Research, and Co-Director of the Centre for Chinese Research at the Institute of Asian Research (IAR). He has been a professor at UBC since 2002, teaching in the IAR’s former Asian policy program and now in the Master of Public Policy and Global Affairs (MPPGA) program. His research, teaching and translating focus on the recent history of China, especially the role of Chinese intellectuals in the twentieth century and the history of the Chinese Communist Party.
His books include The Chinese Communist Party: A Century in Ten Lives (2021) with Klaus Mühlhahn and Hans J. van de Ven, The Intellectual in Modern Chinese History (2015), Living with Reform: China Since 1989 (2006), Mao Zedong and China’s Revolutions (2002) and Propaganda and Culture in Mao’s China (1997).
He is a 2023 Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada (RSC) in the Academy of Arts and Humanities.

Paul Evans
Professor Emeritus in the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs
University of British Columbia (UBC)
Paul Evans (PhD with distinction Dalhousie University 1982) retired from UBC in June 2023 after 43 years of university teaching. He is currently Professor Emeritus.
His academic appointments have been as follows:

Assistant Professor, Acadia University, 1980-81
Assistant, Associate and Professor, Department of Political Science, York University, 1981-97;
Director, University of Toronto – York University Joint Centre for Asia Pacific Studies, 1991-96;
Visiting Professor, Asia Center, Harvard University, 1997-99;
Acting Director, Liu Institute for Global Issues, 2004-5;
Director, Institute of Asian Research, 2008-11 and 2014;
Visiting Professor at the University of Hong Kong, 2011 and 2013;
Visiting Professor and Head of the International Academic Advisory Panel to the School of Social Sciences, Singapore Management University, 2013-16.
Visiting Pok Rafeah Chair, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 2022-23.

Between 2005 and 2008, he was seconded from UBC to serve as the Co-CEO and Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. And between 2020 and 2023 he held the HSBC Chair in Asian Research at UBC.
A regionalist rather than country specialist, he has held visiting fellowships at the Australian National University (1988); National Chengchi University in Taiwan (1989); Chulalongkorn University (1989); the East-West Center (1995); and the National Institute for Research Advancement in Tokyo (1999) and spoken at more than fifty universities and think tanks across the region.
An advocate of cooperative and human security, he has been studying and promoting policy-related activity on track-two security processes and the construction of multilateral institutions since 1988. He was a co-founder of the Council for Security Cooperation in Asia Pacific (CSCAP), the Canadian Consortium on Human Security, and the co-founder of the Canada-Korea Forum. He has directed exchange and partnership projects with fifteen research institutes in Asia and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs funded by governments and foundations in Canada, Japan, the United States, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia. Between 1990 and 2002 he organized two dozen meetings involving participants from North Korea.
He is currently a Canadian representative on the ASEAN Regional Forum’s Experts and Eminent Persons Group.
A member of the Global Council of the Asia Society in New York, he also sits on the editorial boards of The Pacific Review, the Chinese Journal of International Politics, the China Quarterly for International Strategic Studies, and Mexico y la Cuenca del Pacifico.
His graduate and undergraduate teaching at UBC focused on Global China and World Order.
The author or editor of seven books, his first was a biography of John Fairbank, his most popular the two editions of a lexicon of Asia Pacific security terminology (with David Capie), and his most recent “Engaging China: Myth, Aspiration and Strategy in Canadian Policy from Trudeau to Harper,” published in 2014.
His recent writings and media commentaries have focused on Canada-China relations, Asian security dynamics, and the emergence of techno-nationalism as a defining force in regional affairs. Some of them are available here and on his blog. His condensed academic CV is available here, and his complete academic CV is available here.
He is married to Catherine Evans and they plan to remain resident in Vancouver.

Joyce Lee
Partner
McCarthy Tétrault LLP
Director
CCBC Board of Directors
Joyce Lee brings a unique perspective to her practice, skillfully uniting Canadian companies seeking Chinese investors with Chinese companies looking to expand into North America. She also regularly advises corporate executives in the financial sector about taking advantage of opportunities and navigating risk.
Born and raised in Hong Kong and with over 20 years experience working in the North American marketplace, Ms. Lee has both the cultural and business skills necessary to view potential deals from each party’s perspective. Her communication skills – she speaks English, Mandarin and Cantonese fluently – smoothly guide Asian companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors; and, the technology, life science and real estates industries.
Leadership teams from across Canada and Asia, including public companies listed on TSX, NYSE, HK Stock Exchange, Shanghai Stock Exchange, Shenzhen Stock Exchange asset management companies and investment firms, frequently solicit Ms. Lee’s advice on how to grow their business and make strategic moves in the marketplace, whether within Canada or abroad. She has earned the trust of some of the biggest players in the industry by successfully strategizing with them on:

structuring and carrying out domestic and cross border mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations;
advising on securities regulatory issues for registrants, investment dealers and investment advisors;
advising on take-over bids (for both targets and offerors);
advising on public offerings and private placements for issuers in various industries, including mining and resources, technology, real estate development, services and education;
advising on various investment transactions of foreign companies into Canada, including joint ventures in mining and other natural resources sectors, automobile sector, forestry sector and technology sector;
advising on investment transactions of Canadian companies into the Greater China region;
structuring and advising on executive and employee compensation and incentive plans for Canadian and international companies; and
advising on going private transactions, corporate governance, continuous disclosure issues and proxy contests.
