CCBC’s Executive Director and COO, Bijan Ahmadi, appeared before the House of Commons Standing Committee on International Trade (CIIT) on Feb 26, 2026, as an expert witness to discuss recent developments in Canada’s trade relationship with China.

In his opening remarks, he shared perspectives on behalf of CCBC members, noted the positive outcomes of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China, and offered high-level recommendations to support renewed momentum in bilateral engagement. He emphasized the importance of a pragmatic, well-structured approach that advances Canada’s prosperity and national interests in a changing global environment.

You can view his opening remarks on behalf of CCBC here:

Transcript:

Madam Chair, Honourable Members of the Committee,

Thank you for the invitation to appear before you today.

Established in 1978, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) represents more than 300 member companies from different sectors across Canada. Our membership includes both major Canadian corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises that are actively engaged in trade and investment with China.

For nearly five decades, CCBC has served as the leading voice of the Canadian business community on China, working to advance practical solutions that support responsible commercial engagement and advance Canada’s national economic interests.

China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner, with bilateral merchandise and services trade of around $130 billion. The economic impact of the relationship is substantial. Trade and investment with China support over 400,000 Canadian jobs nationwide. These jobs span different sectors, including agriculture, natural resources, manufacturing, education, financial services, and technology, among others.

China is also a major source of foreign direct investment into Canada. FDI stock in Canada from China and Hong Kong reached approximately $65 billion in 2024. These investment ties support economic activity in sectors such as oil and gas, finance, agriculture, consumer products, and manufacturing.

Education ties are equally important and contribute significantly in terms of economic value and people-to-people ties, while also providing top talent for our universities and research institutions.

In recent months, and particularly since Prime Minister Carney’s visit to China in January, we have seen constructive progress in the bilateral economic relationship. High-level engagements that began around the summer of last year by the federal government have led to tangible outcomes. During the Prime Minister’s recent visit to China, the two governments agreed to a package of solutions to address some of the irritants and tariffs escalations that severely impacted bilateral trade, and in particular our agri-food workers and producers across the country.

Through these agreements, starting March 1, China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of approximately 15%, from a current rate of 84%. China will also remove its 25% anti-discrimination tariffs on Canadian canola meal, lobsters, peas, and crabs.

In addition, China has dropped its ban on Canadian beef and is expected to accelerate restoring access to Canadian pet food.

The Canadian government also agreed to a limited quota system that will allow 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market, with a focus on bringing affordable EVs to Canada and opening up opportunities for joint investment by Chinese automakers in the Canadian EV supply chain.

The new Canada–China Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap signed during the Prime Minister’s visit, and the reconvening of dialogue mechanisms such as the Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue, Financial Working Group, Ministerial Dialogue on Energy, and Joint Agriculture Committee, provide important mechanisms for ongoing engagement to address current challenges and explore opportunities to further expand mutually beneficial economic cooperation.

The Canadian business community has responded positively to Ottawa’s efforts toward the recalibration of bilateral ties. In CCBC’s latest Business Survey, conducted by the Rotman Institute for International Business at University of Toronto, 82% of surveyed Canadian firms indicated that the government’s renewed approach to China would have a positive impact on their business outlook. And over two-third reported that they are preparing to expand their business with China.

Looking ahead, I would offer four recommendations:

First, the re-established bilateral mechanisms should be used actively to address trade barriers, and improve market access for Canadian businesses. To provide two examples, access for pet food and tariffs on Canadian pork are still challenges that we need to work on.

Second, provide clarity and predictability in investment policy. Bilateral investment is central to the relationship. There are opportunities to responsibly attract capital into both conventional and renewable energy projects, as well as manufacturing and agri-food. Clarity on sectors open to investment, national security guardrails and an efficient review process are essential.

Third, support Canadian business development efforts in China. China is one of the most competitive markets in the world. Canadian companies succeed there because of quality, reliability, and brand strength. Our Trade Commissioner Service is already doing great work, but further investment in this area, towards enhanced export promotion, trade missions, and sector-specific support, can help more Canadian firms compete effectively.

Fourth, facilitate travel, business, and education exchanges. Canadian companies frequently raise concerns about visa processing timelines for their Chinese partners, customers, or prospective clients traveling to Canada. If we want to fully capitalize on renewed momentum in bilateral engagement, Canada needs to improve the efficiency of our visa processes.

In closing, the Canada–China economic relationship is complex, but it is also consequential. A pragmatic, disciplined, and well-structured engagement strategy is not about ignoring differences. It is about advancing Canadian prosperity and national interests in a changing global environment.

At a time when Canada is seeking to diversify its trade and double its non-U.S. exports within the next decade, China’s scale and growth trajectory remain highly relevant.

Thank you. And I look forward to your questions.