CCBC 2024 Indigenous Business Mission to China
Connecting Indigenous Entrepreneurs and Business Leaders to China
November 13-15, 2024
As Indigenous businesses, development corporations and business organizations pursue growth and build infrastructure, China’s growing market poses unique opportunities. China’s growing consumer market and demand for natural resources offer immense potential for Indigenous businesses seeking diversification and expansion.
Business Mission to China; November 13-15, 2024
This November, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) will lead a group of up to 15 delegates who are First Nations, Inuit or Métis (hereinafter referred to as “Indigenous”) entrepreneurs, economic development executives, and Indigenous leaders on a business mission to Beijing, China, to build connections and partnerships that help 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 is our third business mission to China focused on Indigenous groups. This Mission aims to connect Indigenous businesses and organizations with significant opportunities in the Chinese market.
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 program will encompass CCBC’s AGM as well as unique delegation-specific visits, meetings, and activities in Beijing.
Draft Mission Itinerary:
- Late October – 2-hour online pre-Mission workshop (Topics include: Introduction to CCBC; China market overview; Cultural session; and Legal structures and considerations for Chinese partnerships)
- November 12 – Evening meet and greet to meet other Mission delegates (optional)
- November 13 – Mission Day 1 – Meetings and visits in Beijing
- November 14 – Mission Day 2 – Meetings and visits in Beijing
- November 15 – Mission Day 3 – Afternoon Mission Roundtable in Beijing, plus complimentary access to CCBC’s 46th AGM Business Forum and Business Dinner in Beijing
A detailed agenda will be provided to accepted delegates.
Program content and timing are subject to change without notice.
The mid-November timing of this program allows delegates to combine Mission participation with attendance at key trade events like CIIE (China International Import Expo) in Shanghai (November 5-10) and FHC (FHC Shanghai Global Food Trade Show) in Shanghai (November 12-14).
CCBC thanks Mission Advisor Ms. Karen Ogen for her support in navigating cultural sensitivity for this program.
Karen Ogen
CEO
First Nations LNG Alliance
Biography
Karen Ogen is the CEO of the First Nations LNG Alliance, a society of First Nations in support of responsible LNG development in Canada – with a priority on the environment, and on First Nations consultation and engagement.
Karen brings extensive experience to her role, having served as elected chief of the Wet’suwet’en First Nation for six years, 2010-2016. She was also a council member for the Nation 1987-1990 and again 2019-2022.
She is familiar with the needs of Indigenous communities throughout B.C. and seeks to increase economic opportunities for First Nations through providing information and education regarding responsible resource development.
While Karen recognizes that not all projects will be appropriate for all nations, she hopes to help inspire more First Nations to consider and engage in discussions with industry and government around the possibility of resource opportunities.
Karen’s academic background is in social work. She achieved her Master’s degree from the University of Northern British Columbia in 2007, and graduated from the Indigenous Governance Certificate Program from the University of Victoria in 2010. August 2022, she successfully completed her the Masters in Business Administration program from Simon Fraser University in the Indigenous Business Leadership program. She is the first in her family and community to attain two Master’s degrees.
Karen was named one of the “35 Most Influential Women in BC: The power to disrupt” in March 2016, by BC Business Magazine. And she was elected in two consecutive years, 2021 and 2022, as one of the Business in Vancouver BC 500: The most influential business leaders in British Columbia, in the Resources: Oil and Gas sector.
WHO SHOULD APPLY
This Mission is designed to serve the interests of Indigenous entrepreneurs and economic development organizations who have an interest in doing business with China. Representatives of Indigenous businesses and organizations who are interested in investment to support their exporting activities, and/or have other business interests, are welcome to apply.
This Mission is open to CCBC members and non-members, offering priority to members. Delegates and organizations with no prior China market experience are welcome to apply.
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING THE MISSION
The Mission utilizes CCBC’s China expertise, leverages trusted partnerships, and offers a structured and personalized approach to provide delegates a deep dive into the Chinese market. Benefits include:
- Nurture and develop business relationships: CCBC will create an environment where long-standing business relationships can be built. The Mission will bring new connections and help nurture existing relationships. Delegates can leverage the Mission as a springboard to access the Chinese market by taking advantage of CCBC’s established business activities, like the AGM Business Forum and Business Dinner on the last day of the program.
- Structured and personalized approach: CCBC will organize tailored meetings and visits to maximize delegate success. CCBC will endeavour to arrange two curated introductions for each delegate/company. We will work these meetings into various parts of the Mission.
- Capacity building: Obtain, improve, and retain skills and resources needed for your organization to grow and become more competitive.
- CCBC’s China expertise: CCBC is well-positioned to provide invaluable market knowledge, navigate business practices, and access key networks. The Mission includes access to CCBC’s flagship event of the year, the 46th AGM Business Forum and Business Dinner, which is attended by nearly 400 business leaders and dignitaries.
- Trusted partnerships: We work with our trusted partners to leverage their expertise and connections, and strengthen the Mission’s reach and value proposition. We are pleased to have Karen Ogen, CEO, First Nations LNG Alliance, as a Mission Advisor.
Click here to see photos from the 2023 Indigenous Trade Mission to China.
HOW TO APPLY
Fill out the application form here by September 15, 2024. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Due to high demand last year, we recommend applying early. CCBC reserves the right to select delegates best aligned with the Mission’s goals.
Mission fee for each delegate is C$1,500 + tax. This includes all Mission program activities, including meetings, local transportation, interpretation support for meetings, most meals from November 13-15, 2024. Delegates are required to pay their own airfare and hotel. CCBC will provide a discounted rate at a preferred hotel. Delegates are encouraged to find funding to cover costs associated with the Mission.
CIIE PROGRAM
CCBC is organizing a B2B program for Canadian companies participating in CIIE (China International Import Expo). Please contact edward@ccbc.com.cn for more information.
For more information on eligibility, time commitment, fees, and travel/accommodation, please contact Lotta Ygartua, Regional Director, Western Canada, at lotta@ccbc.com. Please also reach out for sponsorship queries.
FROM PAST MISSION DELEGATES