On March 12, 2026, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) hosted an Exclusive Briefing and Networking Reception on CCBC\u2019s Latest Canada\u2013China Business Survey in Toronto, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and experts to exchange perspectives on the evolving commercial landscape between Canada and China.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Held at the Royal Bank of Canada\u2019s Executive Meeting Place, the event provided attendees with early insights from CCBC\u2019s 2025\/2026 Canada\u2013China Business Survey, the Council\u2019s biennial research initiative examining the performance, challenges, and outlook of companies engaged in bilateral trade, investment, and education. The survey was conducted in partnership with the Rotman Institute for International Business at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
The presentation highlighted key findings from Canadian and Chinese companies active in bilateral business. Despite an increasingly complex global operating environment, survey respondents signaled continued commercial engagement, pragmatic market strategies, and sustained interest in opportunities across the Canada\u2013China business corridor.<\/p>\n
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The evening opened with remarks and a presentation of key survey findings by:<\/p>\n
This was followed by a panel discussion with industry and academic leaders who shared perspectives on market conditions, business sentiment, and strategic considerations for companies operating between Canada and China:<\/p>\n
Bijan Ahmadi<\/strong>, Executive Director & COO, Canada China Business Council<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Jessica Chester<\/strong>, Co-Founder and CEO, Laneway Distillers<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Walid Hejazi<\/strong>, Professor, Economic Analysis and Policy, and Academic Director, Executive Programs, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto<\/p>\n<\/li>\n John Qiang XU<\/strong>, Chief Representative, CCPIT\/CCOIC Representative Office in Canada<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n <\/p>\n The panel was moderated by:<\/p>\n Following the panel discussion, CCBC members were invited to briefly introduce themselves and their organizations, providing participants with greater visibility into the sectors and activities represented in the room. This segment helped facilitate meaningful networking and supported practical connections and matchmaking opportunities among attendees.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\u00a0\u00bb87782,87785,87788,87791,87794″ posts_number=\u00a0\u00bb50″ show_title_and_caption=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb show_pagination=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n The evening concluded with a cocktail reception, allowing guests to continue discussions and strengthen professional connections within the Canada\u2013China business community.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CCBC extends its sincere appreciation to our survey sponsors, ACDEG International Inc. and Bennett Jones, for their support, as well as to Royal Bank of Canada as our venue host.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbRow\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=\u00a0\u00bb87797,87800,87803,87806,87809,87812,87815,87818,87821,87824,87827,87830,87833,87836,87839,87842,87845,87848,87851,87854″ posts_number=\u00a0\u00bb50″ show_title_and_caption=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb show_pagination=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbThank you to our sponsors:\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbThank you to our Sponsors\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3″ title_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#E3002B\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Sponsors-Exclusive-Briefing-and-Networking-Reception-CCBC-Survey-Toronto-0310-e1773148571702.png\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbSponsors – Exclusive Briefing and Networking Reception – CCBC Survey (Toronto) 0310″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb4_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_heading title=\u00a0\u00bbSpeakers:\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbSpeakers\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb title_level=\u00a0\u00bbh3″ global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bijan-Ahmadi-square.jpeg\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbImage – Bijan Ahmadi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ animation_direction=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb animation=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb sticky=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbPosition – Bijan Ahmadi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n Bijan Ahmadi<\/span><\/strong> Bijan Ahmadi is the Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), where he leads the Council\u2019s strategic direction, operations, and programming across all seven chapters in Canada and China. In this capacity, he also serves on CCBC\u2019s Board of Directors and its Executive Committee.<\/p>\n As a recognized voice in Canada\u2013China 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.<\/p>\n Prior 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\u2019s Asia research program and its annual flagship conference, the Indo-Pacific Strategy Forum (IPSF) in Ottawa, now widely regarded as Canada\u2019s leading platform for policy and economic dialogue on the Asia-Pacific region. He was also co-editor of Canada\u2013China Brief, an online policy publication covering political and economic developments in the bilateral relationship.<\/p>\n Throughout his work on China, Bijan has advised multinational corporations and small and medium-sized enterprises on navigating Canada\u2013China 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\u2013China economic relations for public and private sector audiences.<\/p>\n Bijan also serves on the Advisory Board of the Canada China Forum, a platform dedicated to nurturing the next generation of China-competent Canadian professionals.<\/p>\n He holds a Master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Jessica-chester-head-shot.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbJessica chester head shot\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbImage -Walid Hejazi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ animation_direction=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb animation=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb sticky=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbPosition – Walid Hejazi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n Jessica Chester<\/span><\/strong> Jessica Chester is the\u00a0Co-Founder and CEO of Laneway Distillers<\/b>, a Canadian premium spirits brand known for crafting elegant, small-batch gins and vodka that celebrate the character of Canadian botanicals. Founded in\u00a02018<\/b>, Laneway Distillers has grown under her leadership into an internationally recognized brand with a presence in\u00a0China<\/b>, where the company is recognized as a\u00a0China SME partner<\/b>.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n With a background in design and brand development, Jessica brings a creative and thoughtful approach to the world of spirits, blending craftsmanship, storytelling, and modern luxury. She is passionate about building respected Canadian spirits while championing women-founded entrepreneurship within the industry.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Walid-Hejazi_web-e1771979496521.webp\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbWalid-Hejazi_web\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbImage -Walid Hejazi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ animation_direction=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb animation=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb sticky=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbPosition – Walid Hejazi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n Walid Hejazi<\/span><\/strong> Walid Hejazi is a Professor of Economic Analysis and Policy at the Rotman School of Management, Fellow of the Michael Lee-Chin Family Institute for Corporate Citizenship, and member of the Board of Directors of the David & Sharon Johnston Centre for Corporate Governance Innovation. His research focuses on the development of strategies which enhance the ability of companies to compete in domestic and global marketplaces. He has worked closely with many companies to develop and implement innovative strategies, with a particular focus on the role of leaders in preparing those companies to lead strategic change. He is currently working on a book that analyzes strategies that can mobilize global pools of capital into the development of sustainable infrastructure projects in the developing world. He has also worked extensively with Canadian and foreign governments on the development of policies around foreign investment and international trade and has testified extensively before parliamentary and senate committees. He teaches in Rotman\u2019s MBA, EMBA and custom executive programs, and has delivered lectures in over 30 countries, and is a frequent commentator in the media.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Hugo-Lorenson-Profile-Photo.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbHugo Lorenson Profile Photo\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ always_center_on_mobile=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbText – Lorenson\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n Hugo Lorenson<\/span><\/strong> Hugo is currently Regional Vice President, Diversified Banking, Commercial Financial Services, with over 15 years of experience at RBC.<\/p>\n Hugo\u2019s breadth of experience provides him with a deep understanding of Commercial Banking. He began his career as a Senior Relationship Manager in the GTA, progressing through various senior leadership positions, including roles in Credit Adjudication and Commercial Advisory Groups. Additionally, he managed Operations Centres across the Americas and provided oversight of the Caribbean Cards Operations Group. Hugo has led high-performing teams in the Retail, Franchising, and Business Professional Services industries as Vice President, Commercial, in the GTA. Prior to his current position, Hugo was one of the original RBC leaders to join the Group Risk Management National Internship Program.<\/p>\n Hugo was a practicing lawyer in Toronto before starting his career at RBC.<\/p>\n Hugo 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 with RBC\u2019s Beacon program and the Rotman School of Management, and also serves as a York Region youth basketball coach.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/James_Rausch_Headshot-square-1.jpg\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ always_center_on_mobile=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbText – Rausch\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n James Rausch<\/span><\/strong> James Rausch is Global Head of Banks, Brokers & Exchanges at RBC Investor & Treasury Services and is also a member of the Investor & Treasury Services Operating Committee. He is based in Toronto.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As Global Head of Banks, Brokers & Exchanges, James has end-to-end responsibility for the sales, service and product delivery of Canadian dollar services to our financial institution partners globally. James also leads our Graduate Rotational Program in Canada, and is heavily involved in mentoring new and high potential employees.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James joined RBC in 2014 and is a seasoned leader with over 25 years of experience in financial markets, including 12 years at Powerex and previously at Infoware Software, the Toronto Stock Exchange and Toronto Dominion Bank. His broad business experience includes transaction banking, client coverage, risk management, commodities trading and corporate finance.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James became a CFA charterholder in 1999 and holds an MBA from the Joseph L. Rotman School of Management at the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Science from the same institution. He recently completed a certificate in the Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation, is a certified facilitator of the Mindfulness Without Borders program and is a Professional Coach pursuing his Associate Certified Coach (ACC) accreditation. James is a diversity advocate, leading the diversity leadership council for the division in Canada as well as the executive sponsor for the next-gen stream. As a visible LGBTQ+ leader, James recently delivered the lunch keynote at the Out on Bay Street conference.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n James is the past divisional co-chair of the RBC United Way Giving Campaign and participates as a board member on the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) and DAREarts. He was a past board member of Bankers Association for Finance and Trade (BAFT) and co-chaired the North American Council.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/John-XU-e1772030193367.jpg\u00a0\u00bb title_text=\u00a0\u00bbJohn XU\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb disabled_on=\u00a0\u00bboff|off|off\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbImage – John Qiang XU\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ animation_direction=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb animation=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb sticky=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbPosition – John Qiang XU\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n John Qiang XU<\/span><\/strong> John Xu was appointed the Chief Representative of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) \/ China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC), Representative Office in Canada, in 2019. In this role, he is responsible to facilitate the business exchanges and cooperation between China and Canada, through partnering with business associations, identifying business partners, participating trade events, trade missions, trade disputes settlement, etc.<\/p>\n Before joining CCPIT Representative Office in Canada, John was the Vice President of China International Exhibition Center Group Ltd., where he was responsible to manage exhibition venues and organize trade fairs.<\/p>\n John has over 20 years of experience in trade promotion between China and the rest of the world. His expertise includes arranging business matchmaking meetings and receiving international trade delegations, among other critical activities that advance bilateral trade.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u00a0\u00bb1_4,3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb1_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_image src=\u00a0\u00bbhttps:\/\/ccbc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/Jeff-Zhang-photo-.jpg\u00a0\u00bb show_bottom_space=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb align=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_tablet=\u00a0\u00bbcenter\u00a0\u00bb align_phone=\u00a0\u00bb\u00a0\u00bb align_last_edited=\u00a0\u00bbon|desktop\u00a0\u00bb disabled_on=\u00a0\u00bboff|off|off\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbImage – Jeff Zhang\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ animation_direction=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb animation=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb sticky=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n \n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u00a0\u00bb3_4″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][et_pb_text admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbPosition – Jeff Zhang\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ custom_margin=\u00a0\u00bb||||false|false\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n Jeff Zhang<\/span><\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n Jeff 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.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00a0\u00bb1″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u00a0\u00bb1″ _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ _module_preset=\u00a0\u00bbdefault\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" On March 12, 2026, the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) hosted an Exclusive Briefing and Networking Reception on CCBC\u2019s Latest Canada\u2013China Business Survey in Toronto, bringing together business leaders, policymakers, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1687,"featured_media":87858,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[176],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-87738","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ccbc-past-events"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87738","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1687"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=87738"}],"version-history":[{"count":15,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87738\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88045,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/87738\/revisions\/88045"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/87858"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=87738"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=87738"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ccbc.com\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=87738"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}\n
Executive Director & COO
<\/em>Canada China Business Council<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography – Bijan Ahmadi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
Co-Founder and CEO
Laneway Distillers
<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography – Walid Hejazi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
Professor, Economic Analysis and Policy
Academic Director, Executive Programs
Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography – Walid Hejazi\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
Regional Vice President, Commercial Financial Services – GTR
Royal Bank of Canada
<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
Managing Director and Head, Global Transaction Banking
RBC Capital Markets
<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.16″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
Chief Representative<\/em>
CCPIT\/CCOIC Representative Office in Canada<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb disabled_on=\u00a0\u00bboff|off|off\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography – John Qiang XU\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n
Senior Regional Director, Central Canada (ON, MB) <\/em>
Canada China Business Council<\/em><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_toggle title=\u00a0\u00bbBiography\u00a0\u00bb open_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ open_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb closed_toggle_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#b2b2b2″ closed_toggle_background_color=\u00a0\u00bb#FFFFFF\u00a0\u00bb icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb open_icon_color=\u00a0\u00bb#e3002b\u00a0\u00bb disabled_on=\u00a0\u00bboff|off|off\u00a0\u00bb admin_label=\u00a0\u00bbBiography – Jeff Zhang\u00a0\u00bb _builder_version=\u00a0\u00bb4.27.5″ title_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb14″ body_text_color=\u00a0\u00bb#141011″ body_font_size=\u00a0\u00bb15″ border_color_all=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style_all=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb use_border_color=\u00a0\u00bbon\u00a0\u00bb border_color=\u00a0\u00bb#cccccc\u00a0\u00bb border_style=\u00a0\u00bbsolid\u00a0\u00bb locked=\u00a0\u00bboff\u00a0\u00bb global_colors_info=\u00a0\u00bb{}\u00a0\u00bb]\n