In the past two decades, Chinese companies have had a growing presence in a wide range of Canadian industries, from traditional resource-related sectors to advanced technology. However, Chinese investment in Canada has, in recent years, faced heightened scrutiny relating to national security, labour conditions, and environmental impacts. Given current challenges in Canada- China bilateral relations and mixed domestic attitudes toward investment from China, it is important to understand Chinese companies’ investment motivation and business practices in Canada and to evaluate the wide-ranging impacts of their activities on the Canadian economy, business, society, and policy.

This was a free event for CCBC members and guests only, maximum 2 registrations per member, first come first served until capacity is reached.

About the speakers:

Sarah Kutulakos
Executive Director & COO
Canada China Business Council (CCBC)

Sarah joined the CCBC in 2007 and has since revitalized CCBC’s role as Canada’s premier bilateral trade and investment organization. Sarah has re-centered the Council’s activities around providing business services, catalyzing business growth and activity, and advocating for stronger Sino-Canadian bilateral trade and investment. This has resulted in extensive public outreach activities, internal infrastructure improvements, the launch of new programs such as the Business Incubation Centre, and thriving member relations.

Prior to joining CCBC, Sarah worked for 11 years in marketing, product development, and management with a major multinational corporation, where she had multiple assignments involving China. Sarah managed worldwide product businesses that marketed to China and used China-based sources of supply. She was also involved in several projects requiring cooperation with the Chinese government. Sarah has led both established and start-up businesses within the context of a global corporation and has broad emerging market business experience, and has been involved in the Greater China region since the late 1980’s when she lived and worked in Taiwan. There, she was the first non-Chinese employee of a local high-tech start-up firm, where she gained a deep understanding of Chinese business practices.

A fluent Mandarin speaker, Sarah’s interest in China began at the University of Wisconsin, where she studied Chinese, marketing, and international business. She holds an MBA in finance and operations from the Simon School of Business at the University of Rochester. She frequently speaks on China issues, including marketing, trade, investment, and Canada-China relations.

Qiang LIN
President
Siwin Foods Ltd.

Qiang LIN founded Siwin Foods in 2004. He oversees every aspect of the business and is intimately involved in the finance and R&D.

In 1996, Qiang founded Yantia Xiwang Co. and under his direction, the company has grown into a modern food enterprise group gathering scientific research, production and marketing, leading the organization to become the nation’s largest processor of sauced meat products.

Qiang’s ambition of providing quality food globally created the beginning of Siwin Foods Ltd. in Alberta, Canada. His goals and strategies resulted in the successful launch of a number of products created especially for the western market with an interesting Asian twist, which captured significant attention in Canada. This success led to the expansion, design and construction of a $20-million facility.

Qiang was previously the Deputy President of the Meat Association, Shandong, China. He and his organization have received numerous accolades, including: the New China Sixty Anniversary Shandong Light Industry Meritorious Entrepreneurs award, the China Meat Industry Influence Entrepreneurs award, the China Meat Industry Outstanding Leader award, and second place in the Chinese Investment in Canada category at CCBC’s 2014 Canada China Business Excellence Awards.

Chris Pereira
Founder & CEO
North American Ecosystem Institute (NAEI)

Chris Pereira is an experienced business and communications professional with 15 years of experience in China. Fully bilingual (written/spoken) in Mandarin and English, he has built his career upon being a constructive bridge between different people, interests, and cultures. He has worked with hundreds of companies, and dozens of Fortune 500 enterprises, supporting their branding and communications.

Chris has spoken at over 30 universities and colleges, including Harvard, Columbia, and Yale – sharing insights about China, and the future of technology and business. With his team, Chris helps Chinese companies and brands integrate and expand smoothly into the market in North America and Asia Pacific.

Elizabeth Roscoe
Senior Vice President Public Affairs
Rubicon Strategy Inc.

Elizabeth solves problems. With over 30 years navigating government, politics, and public opinion, Elizabeth Roscoe delivers results for clients. She has advised numerous TSX listed companies with an emphasis on regulated industries, and holds a strong track record of building stakeholder support to pitch government. As a leader in the public affairs industry, Elizabeth is a seasoned advisor on foreign investment transactions. If you want to engage with government, talk to Elizabeth.