BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Canada China Business Council (CCBC) - ECPv6.15.12.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Canada China Business Council (CCBC) X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://ccbc.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Canada China Business Council (CCBC) REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Toronto BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Vancouver BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Asia/Shanghai BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0800 TZOFFSETTO:+0800 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20250101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Toronto:20260417T143000 DTEND;TZID=America/Toronto:20260417T163000 DTSTAMP:20260403T215525 CREATED:20260320T134231Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T171246Z UID:88052-1776436200-1776443400@ccbc.com SUMMARY:Chinese EVs and the Canadian Auto Market: Opportunities\, Policy\, and Outlook DESCRIPTION:Canada’s evolving electric vehicle (EV) landscape is entering a new phase of development. Following the January 2026 “landmark” agreement with China permitting the entry of up to 49\,000 Chinese-built EVs in the first year\, Canadian businesses and consumers alike are closely watching what comes next. \nWhich Chinese EV brands will enter the Canadian market first? How will import quotas be allocated? Will offerings focus on competitively priced models under $35\,000\, or premium vehicles exceeding $100\,000? Early indicators suggest strong consumer openness to Chinese EVs\, signalling meaningful shifts in market dynamics and competitive positioning. \nAt the same time\, the policy implications are significant. Proponents highlight the agreement’s potential to support Canada’s domestic EV ecosystem\, including commitments to increased joint-venture investment\, job creation\, and the development of a robust national supply chain. Others\, particularly within Canada’s automotive sector\, are carefully assessing potential risks related to investment displacement and employment impacts. \nThe Canada China Business Council (CCBC) is hosting a timely and forward-looking discussion that brings together senior leaders and industry experts from the automotive\, logistics\, financial services\, and public sectors to examine the opportunities and key considerations shaping Canada’s EV future. \nThis program will provide practical insights into market entry strategies\, consumer trends\, policy developments\, and the broader implications of increased Canada–China collaboration in the EV sector\, equipping attendees with valuable context to inform business decisions. \nWe invite you to join us. Register now to secure your place. \nDate: April 17\, 2026 \nTime: 2:30 – 4:30 PM EDT \nLocation: MNP Toronto Office\, 1 Adelaide St E\, Suite 1900\, Toronto\, ON M5C 2V9 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: \nMembers: Free\, max 2 registrants/member  \nNon-Members: $100 (Tax included) \n \n Get Tickets Now\n \n \n \n \n \n Refund and Cancellation Policy:Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n Important Notes:Registration under the Member rate is strictly reserved for companies that are current Members in Good Standing.  Registrations submitted under the Member category by non-members or members not in good standing will be declined or adjusted to the applicable Non-Member rate. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Agenda: \n2:30 PM EDT – Registration \n3:00 PM EDT – Presentations\, Panel Discussion and Q&A \n4:15 PM EDT – Networking \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our sponsors:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bijan AhmadiExecutive Director & COOCanada China Business Council \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Bijan Ahmadi is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC)\, where he leads the Council’s strategic direction\, operations\, and programming across all seven chapters in Canada and China. In this capacity\, he also serves on CCBC’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. \nAs a recognized voice in Canada–China relations\, Bijan works closely with senior executives\, policymakers\, and institutional partners to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties\, advance member services\, and position Canadian companies for success in the Chinese market. His work focuses on translating policy and regulatory developments into practical insights for business leaders and supporting high-level commercial engagement between the two countries. \nPrior to joining CCBC\, Bijan co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024\, where he helped build the organization into a respected binational foreign policy think tank operating in Canada and the United States. During this period\, he launched IPD’s Asia research program and its annual flagship conference\, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF) in Ottawa\, now widely regarded as Canada’s leading platform for policy and economic dialogue on the Asia-Pacific region. He was also co-editor of Canada–China Brief\, an online policy publication covering political and economic developments in the bilateral relationship. \nThroughout his work on China\, Bijan has advised multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises on navigating Canada–China trade\, regulatory\, and policy environments. He has led Track 2 and Track 1.5 dialogue initiatives in partnership with Chinese\, Canadian and American institutions and he regularly delivers lectures and professional training on Canada–China economic relations for public and private sector audiences. \nBijan also serves on the Advisory Board of the Canada China Forum\, a platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of China-competent Canadian professionals. \nHe holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Earlier in his career\, he worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors and has served on the boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs\, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Baris AkyurekVice President of Insights & IntelligenceAutoTrader \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Baris Akyurek is the Vice President of Insights & Intelligence at AutoTrader\, Canada’s largest automotive marketplace. With over a decade of experience in the Canadian automotive industry\, Baris leads a team that delivers cutting-edge research\, analytics and insights to help consumers\, automakers and dealerships make informed decisions. His expertise in vehicle pricing\, consumer behaviour\, and industry trends makes him a trusted voice in the evolving automotive landscape. As a leading spokesperson for AutoTrader\, Baris frequently appears on major Canadian broadcast programs and national news outlets\, offering data-driven analysis on market shifts and emerging trends. He holds an MBA from the Schulich School of Business at York University. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jason CampbellGeneral ManagerCanadian International AutoShow \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Jason has had a 30+ year career in the Automotive space having worked in the UK between 1994 – 2014 for various automotive and motor racing teams and clients including Ford Motor Company\, British American Tobacco\, Worldcom as well as the Renault-Nissan Alliance\, and subsequently returning to his Canadian homeland serving as the head of the Canadian International AutoShow from 2015 until today. \nJason’s first experience in China was attending the first race at the new Zhuhai motor racing circuit at the inaugural race in 1995\, but has subsequently visited China over 15 times over an extensive career managing Automotive and major consumer promotional campaigns in the region. \nToday Jason oversees the operations of Canada’s\, and one of North Americia’s largest Automotive Showcases – the Canadian International AutoShow. An event that brings together nearly 375\,000 visitors over a ten day period to celebrate the Total Automotive Experience each February in downtown Toronto – a market where over 40% of the Canadian Automotive business is done annually across Canada. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Alex ChenOperations ManagerCTS Global Solutions \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n A distinguished logistics professional with over a decade of progressive experience in freight forwarding. He possesses extensive expertise in international air and ocean operations\, with a strong track record in managing complex global logistics\, ensuring regulatory compliance\, and delivering efficient\, scalable solutions within multinational supply chain environments. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Yufeng DINGTax Partner and Business AdvisorMNP \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Yufeng Ding (丁宇锋)\, CPA\, CA\, is a Tax Partner and Business Advisor with MNP’s Tax Services group in Markham. Yufeng provides comprehensive corporate and personal taxation services to a wide variety of clients\, with a focus on privately owned enterprises and high net worth individuals. \nWith more than 15 years of experience in public accounting\, primarily as a Canadian tax advisor\, Yufeng has worked with clients in various industries\, including real estate developers and builders\, professionals\, technology companies\, and private investment funds. His areas of expertise include the taxation of partnerships and trusts\, succession and estate planning\, remuneration strategies\, dispute resolution with the Canada Revenue Agency\, and tax considerations for the sale or acquisition of a business. \nIn today’s fast changing tax environment\, Yufeng helps his clients navigate change and minimize taxes\, with a primary focus on achieving their business and personal objectives. Yufeng is fluent in both English and Mandarin. He has been invited to present at numerous webinars to the Chinese community on various tax topics. \nYufeng is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Accountant (CA). He obtained his Bachelor of Business Administration degree (Accounting major) from the University of New Brunswick and has completed the CPA In-Depth Tax courses. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lional LiaoPartnerMNP \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Lional Liao\, CPA\, is a Partner with MNP’s Assurance and Accounting Services team in the West GTA. Lional provides tailored\, full cycle accounting and tax services\, as well as controllership\, corporate accounting\, financing\, and tax services for commercial clients\, in addition to tax services for high net worth new immigrants. \nWith more than a decade of experience in public accounting\, Lional delivers comprehensive financial packages and collaborates with a variety of financial institutions to provide corporate finance services to clients. Lional works closely with a wide range of businesses and individuals\, including owner managers\, professionals\, elite athletes\, investors\, and clients in the real estate\, automotive\, wholesale and retail\, import and export\, manufacturing\, and large construction contracting sectors. \nLional is dedicated to helping clients maintain a competitive edge and achieve their business objectives. He takes a proactive approach to implementing prudent financial controls and supports clients in addressing financial issues from both an accounting and tax perspective. \nPrior to joining MNP\, Lional was a partner in his own firm for a decade. He earned an Honours Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) from Laurentian University in 2010 and became a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in 2011. Lional is fluent in English and Mandarin. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Melissa SamatasChief Operating Officer & PartnerDSMA \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n With over two decades of experience in the automotive industry\, Melissa brings a wealth of expertise to her DSMA team\, particularly at the dealership level. Having spent the majority of her career working in family-owned dealerships\, Melissa has cultivated a deep understanding of the dynamics and nuances of the automotive retail business. A professional with a keen eye for dealership operations\, Melissa has successfully navigated the challenges and opportunities inherent in the automotive sales landscape. Armed with an MBA\, she has honed her analytical skills and business acumen\, making them proficient in evaluating dealerships and contributing to strategic decision-making. In a significant milestone\, Melissa played a pivotal role in the sale of a family-owned dealership group including 4 Honda dealerships\, a leasing company and a motorcycle/ power equipment store last year. This transition marked the beginning of a new chapter as Melissa joined DSMA\, showcasing her adaptability and commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry. One of Melissa’s standout strengths lies in their comprehensive understanding of the retail side of the automotive business. This knowledge\, acquired through years of hands-on experience\, positions her as an asset in facilitating transactions of any size. Whether evaluating dealerships or overseeing the intricate process of selling one\, Melissa brings a unique perspective\, grounded in practical know-how. Melissa is well-equipped to guide and assist in navigating the complexities of dealership transactions. Her insights into the intricacies of the process\, coupled with a passion for the automotive industry\, make Melissa an invaluable resource for anyone seeking a seasoned expert in the field. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Elankum VairavanathanDirector\, OEM Relationships – Automotive FinanceRoyal Bank of Canada \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Elankum Vairavanathan is the Director of OEM Relationships for Automotive Finance at RBC. He is a seasoned automotive professional with extensive experience in financial services\, sales planning and retail operations. Prior to joining RBC\, Elankum has held various leadership roles with Audi Canada\, Mercedes-Benz Financial Services and Mazda Canada.  Throughout his career in both the financial and automotive sectors\, he has prioritized building strong industry partnerships and fostering innovation. He has a genuine passion for the automotive industry and a drive for delivering operational excellence.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jeff ZhangSenior Regional Director\, Central Canada (ON\, MB) Canada China Business Council \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Jeff 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\, Jeff 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. \nJeff 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. URL:https://ccbc.com/event/chinese-evs-and-the-canadian-auto-market-opportunities-policy-and-outlook/ LOCATION:MNP Toronto Office\, 1 Adelaide St E\, Suite 1900\, Toronto\, Ontario\, M5C 2V9\, Canada CATEGORIES:CCBC Event,English,Ontario END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260429T163000 DTEND;TZID=America/Vancouver:20260429T193000 DTSTAMP:20260403T215525 CREATED:20260317T201857Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260326T133458Z UID:88018-1777480200-1777491000@ccbc.com SUMMARY:China’s Next Phase: Canada-China Business Survey Insights and the 15th Five-Year Plan Briefing & Networking Reception DESCRIPTION:Join us in Vancouver this April for a CCBC seminar and networking reception bringing together members of the Canada–China business community. We are also pleased to welcome CCBC’s Executive Director & COO\, Bijan Ahmadi\, who will be visiting from Toronto. \nThe evening will begin with a presentation sharing key insights from CCBC’s latest Canada–China Business Survey\, along with an overview of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan. \nA panel discussion will follow\, exploring what recent developments in Canada–China trade mean for businesses\, where opportunities are emerging\, and how companies can position themselves for success in the China market in the years ahead. The conversation will also reflect on the implications of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and the survey findings for Canadian companies. \nThe event will conclude with a networking reception\, offering a valuable opportunity to connect with peers and expand your professional network. \nDate: Wednesday\, April 29\, 2026 \nTime: 4:30 – 7:30 PM PDT \nLocation: Fasken\, Bentall 5\, 550 Burrard St Suite 2900\, Vancouver\, BC V6C 0B3 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Tickets: \nMembers: $25 \nNon-Members: $120 \n \n Purchase Tickets\n \n \n \n \n \n Refund and Cancellation Policy:Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Thank you to our sponsors:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Agenda: \n4:30 PM PDT – Registration \n5:00 PM PDT – Presentation of the Survey Findings\, 15th Five-Year Plan\, Panel Discussion and Q&A \n6:30 PM PDT – Networking Reception \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Speakers:\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Zeng ZhiActing Consul GeneralChinese Consulate General in Vancouver \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Mr. ZENG Zhi\, the Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vancouver. \nMr. ZENG Zhi has rich diplomatic work experience\, and has previously worked in the Protocol Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China and has been engaged in protocol affairs for many years. He has also worked in Chinese diplomatic missions abroad\, specifically Cyprus and Thailand. \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Ran CarterRegional Director\, West RegionExport Development Canada (EDC) \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Ran Carter is the Regional Director\, West Region at Export Development Canada (EDC)\, where she oversees mid-market business development\, market strategy\, and EDC’s presence in British Columbia. She previously served as EDC’s Chief Representative for Greater China\, leading teams in Beijing and Shanghai\, and continues to contribute to EDC’s thought leadership on China. Before her role as Chief Representative\, Ran held senior positions supporting the Indo-Pacific region and contributing to EDC’s corporate strategy. She holds an MBA from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from Queen’s University. Ran is a member of the Economic Development and Fiscal Committee at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade and serves on the boards of the Forum for International Trade Training (FITT) and the Canadian International Council’s Edmonton Chapter.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Jacob CookeCo-Founder and CEOWPIC Marketing + Technologies \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Jacob Cooke is the Co-Founder and CEO of WPIC Marketing + Technologies\, a leading e-commerce and technology consultancy that drives growth for global brands in China\, Japan\, South Korea\, and Southeast Asia. As CEO\, Jacob is the driving force behind WPIC’s world-class data tools\, e-commerce services\, and artificial intelligence technology. Under his leadership\, the firm has built out an expansive solution set covering data analytics\, e-commerce activations and store management\, brand strategy\, creative campaigns\, merchandising\, warehousing\, 3PL integrations\, and more. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Vice-Chair of CCBC \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n David T. Fung\, B.Eng.\, M. Eng.\, Ph.D.\, PEng (BC)\, FEC\, C. Dir.\, LL.D. (Hon.)\, D.Sc. (Hon.)CEOACDEG International Inc. \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n 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. \nDr. 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. \nBesides 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. \nHe 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Bijan AhmadiExecutive Director & COOCanada China Business Council \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n Bijan Ahmadi is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC)\, where he leads the Council’s strategic direction\, operations\, and programming across all seven chapters in Canada and China. In this capacity\, he also serves on CCBC’s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee. \nAs a recognized voice in Canada–China relations\, Bijan works closely with senior executives\, policymakers\, and institutional partners to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties\, advance member services\, and position Canadian companies for success in the Chinese market. His work focuses on translating policy and regulatory developments into practical insights for business leaders and supporting high-level commercial engagement between the two countries. \nPrior to joining CCBC\, Bijan co-founded and served as Executive Director of the Institute for Peace & Diplomacy (IPD) from 2018 to 2024\, where he helped build the organization into a respected binational foreign policy think tank operating in Canada and the United States. During this period\, he launched IPD’s Asia research program and its annual flagship conference\, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF) in Ottawa\, now widely regarded as Canada’s leading platform for policy and economic dialogue on the Asia-Pacific region. He was also co-editor of Canada–China Brief\, an online policy publication covering political and economic developments in the bilateral relationship. \nThroughout his work on China\, Bijan has advised multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises on navigating Canada–China trade\, regulatory\, and policy environments. He has led Track 2 and Track 1.5 dialogue initiatives in partnership with Chinese\, Canadian and American institutions and he regularly delivers lectures and professional training on Canada–China economic relations for public and private sector audiences. \nBijan also serves on the Advisory Board of the Canada China Forum\, a platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of China-competent Canadian professionals. \nHe holds a Master’s degree in Global Diplomacy from SOAS University of London and a Master of Applied Science from the University of Toronto. Earlier in his career\, he worked in strategy and management roles in the financial services and real estate sectors and has served on the boards of several Canadian non-profits and NGOs\, including the Toronto branch of the Canadian International Council. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Lotta YgartuaRegional Director\, Western Canada (BC\, SK\, AB\, YT\, NT\, NU)Canada China Business Council \n \n \n \n \n \n Biography\n 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. \nMs. 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. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n 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. URL:https://ccbc.com/event/chinas-next-phase-canada-china-business-survey-insights-and-the-15th-five-year-plan-briefing-networking-reception/ LOCATION:Fasken – Vancouver\, 550 Burrard St\, Bentall 5\, #2900\, Vancouver\, BC\, V6C 0A3\, Canada CATEGORIES:BC,CCBC Event,English END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260618 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260619 DTSTAMP:20260403T215525 CREATED:20260313T184207Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T152541Z UID:87878-1781740800-1781827199@ccbc.com SUMMARY:[SAVE THE DATE] Canada Day Celebration in Beijing DESCRIPTION:We are excited to announce that our annual Canada Day in Beijing celebration will take place on Thursday\, June 18\, 2026! Join us as we gather in the capital to raise a toast to Canada’s birthday. Expect refreshing beer and wine\, a terrific menu\, live music\, and networking opportunities—all in honour of Canada’s 159th birthday. \nPlease mark your calendars and reserve the weekend for this special occasion. Tickets will be released soon. \nFor Sponsorship and Corporate Tables\, please contact Candice Zhao at candice@ccbc.com.cn. \n  \n\nPhotos from the Previous Canada Day Event \n  URL:https://ccbc.com/event/canada-day-celebration-in-beijing-2026/ CATEGORIES:Beijing,Beijing,CCBC Event,CCBC Events (Chinese),Chinese,English END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR