[SOLD OUT] Bridging Trade Opportunities: Growing and Diversifying Quebec’s Exports through China International Import Expo (CIIE)

As global trade landscapes shift due to geopolitical tensions and evolving tariff policies, Canadian and Quebec exporters face increasing pressure to diversify their markets. China remains a vital economic partner and a key destination for high-quality Canadian products, from agri-food and consumer goods to technology and advanced manufacturing.

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) offers an unparalleled opportunity for Quebec businesses to access this market, connect with buyers, and forge lasting trade partnerships. Join us on April 16 in Montreal to hear Mr. DAI Yuming, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal, share insights on trade between Canada and China. Dr. DENG Jun, President and CEO of Bank of China (Canada), will then discuss the upcoming CIIE in Shanghai, setting the stage for an engaging panel discussion on winning strategies for Quebec businesses at CIIE.

A panel discussion on winning strategies for Quebec businesses in the China market will feature Charles Lavoie, Vice President of Marketing, WPIC Marketing + Technologies; Stéphane Fallecker, Director Export, Asia-Pacific and Oceania Markets, Investissement Québec International; Lory Wang, President, Arctica Food Group Canada Inc.; and David Williams, Senior Director, Business Development, Intelcom | Dragonfly.

This event will provide practical insights, success stories, and strategic guidance to help Quebec companies better understand the latest trends in the Chinese consumer market, maximize their participation in CIIE, and expand their presence in China.

Tickets:
Free of charge for CCBC Members and Non-Members.
Capacity is limited and registration will be on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to CCBC members.

Refund and Cancellation Policy:
Payment is non-refundable unless the Canada China Business Council cancels the event.

Address:
Fasken
800 Victoria Square, Suite 3500
Montreal, Quebec
H3C 0B4

Agenda:
3:30 pm – 4:00 pm EDT: Registration and Networking
4:00 pm – 4:50 pm EDT: Welcome Remarks, Keynote Speeches
4:50 pm – 5:20 pm EDT: Panel Discussion: Winning Strategies for Quebec Businesses at China Market
5:20 pm – 6:30 pm EDT: Networking

About the Speakers:

DAI Yuming
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal

Mr. DAI Yuming has assumed the position of the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal since December 2022. Since 1992, he worked at different positions in Department of African Affairs, Department of Personnel and Department of Policy Planning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and served several terms at the Chinese Embassies in Liberia, the United States, Sierra Leone, Namibia, and Israel. He was also Deputy Mayor of Sanya City, Hainan Province, from 2016 to 2019.

Dr. DENG Jun
President and CEO, Bank of China (Canada)
Principal Officer, Bank of China Toronto Branch

Dr. DENG Jun, President and CEO of Bank of China (Canada) and Principal Officer of Bank of China Toronto Branch, holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Wuhan University and has played an integral role in the Bank of China Group since 1990. His journey within the Bank includes key positions that underscore his expertise.

In 2001, he served as General Manager of the Bank of China Wuhan ETD Branch, contributing significantly to the Bank’s growth. In 2006, he took on the role of Deputy Managing Director at Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Auto Finance Company Ltd., a joint venture between Bank of China Group Insurance Company Ltd., Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile Company Ltd., and Banque PSA Finance.

In 2009, Dr. Deng was appointed Assistant General Manager at the Bank of China Limited Head Office Corporate Banking Group and in 2012, he became Country Head of Bank of China Limited – Manila Branch, showcasing his versatility on the international stage. Since October of the same year, he has been fulfilling his current roles, leading as President and CEO of Bank of China (Canada) and Principal Officer of Bank of China Toronto Branch.

Charles Lavoie
VP of Marketing
WPIC Marketing + Technologies

Charles Lavoie has been helping Canadian and global companies enter and grow in the Chinese and broader Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets since 2011. An expert in branding, marketing, e-commerce, and cross-cultural management, he has supported over 200 companies—from startups to multinational corporations—in optimizing their growth strategies.

He is currently the VP of Marketing at WPIC Marketing + Technologies, Asia’s leading e-commerce incubator for global brands. At WPIC, he leads a team of over 350 specialists across China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia, working in marketing, e-commerce, logistics, compliance, data analytics, and technology. He helps Canadian companies such as Aritzia, New Roots Herbal, IDC Dermo, and Triotech expand their presence and operations across China and the APAC region.

Prior to joining WPIC, Mr. Lavoie served as a Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Embassy in Beijing from 2011 to 2013. He also consulted for leading Chinese firms such as Tencent, DiDi and CICC, supporting their global expansion and communications strategies. In addition, he advised several global organizations operating in China, including Daimler and Nestlé. During that time, he also launched and successfully scaled his own brand across China and Southeast Asia.

Stéphane Fallecker
Director Export, Asia-Pacific and Oceania Markets
Investissement Québec International

Stephane Fallecker worked for more than 20 years in international trade development for the government, regional development agencies and private entities.

In 2022, he joined Investissement Québec International, Québec government’s foreign investment prospecting and export assistance agency. He oversees the Asia-Pacific and Oceania region, managing the economic development teams in Montréal and throughout Asia.

He also served as the economic development director at the Quebec Office in Chicago and at Quebec General Delegation in New York.

Mr. Fallecker holds a master’s degree in international management from HEC Montreal.

Lory Wang
CEO
Arctica Food Group Canada Inc.

Lory Wang is a foodie and second-generation entrepreneur. After her studies in finance and accounting, and several years auditing SMEs, she decided to take the plunge. With the awakening of the Chinese market for imported goods and her love of food, she co-founded Arctica Food Group Canada in 2012. The group’s mission has always been to offer natural, healthy and delicious food, with a certain cachet, in which west meets east. Arctica Food became the pioneer and leading brand in Canadian wild sea cucumbers and established Quebec’s sea cucumber industry. Since the Chinese middle class clientele is open-minded but exposed to too many options, Arctica Food focuses on food education to build product recognition and brand loyalty. With her team, Ms. Wang continues to develop new food products that are nutritious and customized to the eating behaviours of the Chinese consumer, such as honey, soybeans, cooking oil, health supplements, etc. As a board member of Groupe Export Agroalimentaire, she wants to promote Quebec’s high-quality food products, sometimes even unknown locally, and encourage more people to export overseas and to build international relationships. Food brings us closer; let’s share it together!

David Williams
Senior Director, Business Development
Intelcom | Dragonfly

David Williams leads global business development for Intelcom | Dragonfly, a last-mile logistics company operating across Canada and Australia. With over 15 years of experience in e-commerce logistics, strategic partnerships, and international market expansion, Mr. Williams is responsible for shaping the company’s client acquisition strategy and supporting global retailers, marketplaces, and logistics providers in their cross-border growth initiatives. He has participated in multiple international trade missions, including the China International Import Expo (CIIE), to support the Intelcom | Dragonfly development in new markets.

Ponora Ang
Partner, Co-Leader Asia-Pacific Group
Fasken

Ponora Ang is a Partner at Fasken and the Co-Leader of the Asia Pacific Group of the firm.

He is a manufacturing and product liability lawyer. In addition to his commercial litigation practice, Mr. Ang is well known to companies in the Asia-Pacific region for his legal and strategic advice regarding investment and implementation projects in Canada. He advises businesses from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia in different industries for their operations in Canada.

Mr. Ang counsels and represents clients in the areas of real estate, product liability, manufacturing, sale and leasing, insurance, and franchise law. He is regularly asked to represent the interests of manufacturers, producers, distributors, and sellers in the automotive, medical, security, and aviation industries. In addition, he regularly advises state-owned enterprises, private companies, and individuals from Asia seeking to expand their business activities in Canada in a variety of industries.

He received YBAM’s Lawyer of the Year 2010 award in civil and commercial litigation. Mr. Ang was also recognized in the prestigious Lexpert Rising Star 2021 / Top 40 Under 40 in Canada list for his legal expertise. In addition, in 2023, he was awarded the Medal of the National Assembly of Québec in honour of his numerous engagements for the society over the years.

Mr. Ang continues to be involved in a number of committees and boards of directors in Quebec, both in business and trade associations as well as for charitable organizations. In addition to his professional practice and community involvement, he is also a caregiver whose daily life was the subject of a documentary by ICI Radio-Canada in 2022.

Claire Zhang
Director, Quebec Chapter
Canada China Business Council

Claire Zhang brings over 10 years of international development expertise to her role as Director of the Quebec Chapter at the Canada China Business Council. She previously led business development for Greater China across sectors including edu-tech, entertainment, IT, blockchain, and 5G. Ms. Zhang excelled in building influential relationships with government agencies, industry leaders, and strategic partners in both nations.

Prior to this, Ms. Zhang served as Program Manager at the Quebec Chapter and Interim Chapter Director for the Atlantic Chapter at CCBC. There, she provided critical business intelligence to members from Eastern Canada. She is an expert in organizing large-scale, high-level business missions to China and Canada, facilitating essential negotiations, and helping Canadian enterprises navigate the complexities of the Chinese market.

A dedicated advocate for diversity, women’s leadership, and entrepreneurship, Ms. Zhang holds a B.Comm in Marketing from Concordia University. She is fluent in English and Mandarin, with intermediate French skills. Her charismatic acumen and deep understanding of both business landscapes position her to drive impactful bilateral business development and forge strategic partnerships. Ms. Zhang is also actively involved in the China-Canada community in the Quebec region.

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.