Now that China has reopened its borders, many CCBC members are eager to return. However, after a three-year hiatus, some of us may have lost our “muscle memory” for traveling to China, leaving us unsure about how to prepare.

On April 19, 2023, CCBC members and guests tuned in for a timely webinar with Cindy Ho, Partner, DS Lawyers; Henry Liu, Vice-President, Power Corporation of Canada; and Charles Lavoie, Vice President, Creative, WPIC Marketing + Technologies, on the latest updates on travel requirements, on-the-ground considerations, and travel tips from recent China travel. They shared their stories and insights, giving listeners the confidence to navigate potential challenges so they could have a hassle-free and successful trip. From visa and COVID test requirements to on-arrival checks, we covered everything you need to know when planning a trip to China. We also explored topics such as inbound and outbound travels, including the return of students, tourists, and business travelers. Tickets were free for CCBC members; $50 + tax for non-members.

The recording link is available upon request. Please contact your regional Chapter Director to request access:

• • Atlantic: Edward Dai
  • Quebec: David Perez-Des Rosiers
  • Ontario: Jeff Zhang
  • Prairies/Nunavut/NWT: Lotta Ygartua
  • BC/Yukon: Lotta Ygartua
  • Beijing: Noah Fraser
  • Shanghai: Edward Dai

About the Speakers:

Cindy Ho
Partner
DS Lawyers

Cindy Ho specializes in business law and works in a wide range of fields, including corporate and commercial law, mergers and acquisitions, real estate, public and regulatory law. She assists corporations in their general business operations, from research to negotiating and drafting of agreements. She is involved in national and international transactions, with a particular emphasis on China related matters.

Henry Liu
Vice-President
Power Corporation of Canada

Mr. Liu was appointed Vice-President of Power Corporation in May 2011. He oversees Power Corporation’s business development in Asia, where the company currently has a number of investments. Mr. Liu joined Power Corporation in 1995 and has since held various positions, most recently as Financial Analyst and Director of Asian Affairs. Prior to joining Power Corporation, Mr. Liu worked with China CITIC Group in Beijing.

He serves as a member of the board of governors for the Jiu Ding Scholarship Program dedicated to Chinese students studying in Québec. He is also actively involved in supporting the development of cultural programs to promote local Chinese communities in Canada. Mr. Liu obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Nanjing, China, earned an MBA from McGill University, and is a CFA charter holder.

Charles Lavoie
Vice President, Creative
WPIC Marketing + Technologies

At WPIC, Charles is responsible for developing and executing the vision of the WPIC Creative Labs, which provides world-class content, advertising, design, and brand strategy services for clients. Under his leadership, the team has grown from 10 individuals to more than 25.

As an experienced brand and marketing strategist, Charles has been building and growing brands in China and the APAC region since 2012. Over the last decade, his leadership and cross-cultural communication abilities have helped him to become a trusted operator with the ability to organize and grow marketing teams effectively.

Prior to joining WPIC, Charles was the Director of Strategy and Corporate Development at PBB Creative, where he helped to create one of China’s leading design and branding agencies. He also co-founded Infina Vodka, a Beijing-based alcohol brand, and was responsible for the growth of the company from its conception to expansion into more than 10 cities in Greater China as well as the brand’s expansion into Africa.

Charles’ career has seen him developing brands, building strategies and executing campaigns for organizations like Acura, Uber, Daimler, DiDi, Tencent, the World Bank, as well as the Quebec and Canadian Governments.

About the Moderator:

David Perez-Des Rosiers
Deputy Director, Quebec Chapter
Canada China Business Council

As Deputy Director of the Quebec Chapter, David Perez-Des Rosiers is responsible for building the CCBC membership base throughout the province by connecting Canadian and Chinese businesses, promoting Canada-China bilateral trade, organizing events and supporting member service delivery. David has a diverse background with experience in marketing, consulting, research, and as a Parole Officer for the Correctional Service of Canada. David lived in China for five years, studying and working as a consultant for a Food & Beverage group. He was also the Special Representative to Mainland China for the Canada-China Forum, during which he was responsible for member recruitment, building exposure for the organization and creating initiatives in China.

He holds a Ph.D. in Global Studies from Shanghai University, during which he conducted research on Canada-China partnerships in high-tech. He also holds an Msc in Criminology and a BSc in Psychology.