Event

The Power of Canada-China Relations: Importance of Adjusting your China Strategies Diligently

April 30, 2019, 12:15-14:00
Consulate General of Canada in Hong Kong, 5/F, Tower 3
Exchange Square, 8 Connaught Place, Central, HK
Member Price: HKD 100
Non-Member Price: HKD 150

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Canada-China relations are exceptionally important for both countries. China is Canada’s second largest trading partner and Canada has always been one of the popular destinations for outbound investments from China:

  • Over 1.8 million Canadian residents are of Chinese origin
  • More than 140,000 Chinese students attended Canadian educational institutions.
  • In 2018, Canada attracted a record-breaking number of visitors from China in the same year.

But recent events – the arrest and extradition hearing of Huawei’s CFO, the increasing political tension between Canada and China, mixed with the spillover effects of the US trade relations with China – have complicated the Canada-China relationship. Hong Kong plays a unique and pivotal role in connecting Canadian and Chinese business communities.

The panel will discuss:

  • The business positions and challenges for iconic Canadian brands in China
  • Transformation of businesses for Canadian and Chinese companies
  • Recent business cases and transactions between Canada and China
  • The role of Hong Kong in connecting business opportunities between Canada and China
  • Prospective opportunities after the tense relations between countries
  • Risks that Canadian companies should be aware of

About the speakers:

Weldon Epp
Consul General of Canada, Shanghai

Weldon joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in 1996 as a foreign service officer, working first with the China and Mongolia Division and the Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs Division. He then served executive roles in areas including policy research, and political and economic counselling. Most recently, Weldon is the current consul general in Shanghai. 

Adam Turnbull
Co-Founder & VP Global Strategy, ASK Idea Group and President of CanCham PRD

Originally from Perth, Ontario, Adam has a storied history of 14 years in China working in multiple industries. He has a passion for mentoring start-up founders and knows first-hand the benefits of Chinese-Canadian collaboration and possesses a deep understanding of the local market in the PRD. Adam received the Recognition Award of Entrepreneurial Achievement Under 35at the 4th Annual Transpacific Entrepreneurial Conference.

Travis Joern
Former Managing Director of Canada China Business Council

Travis has been involved with Canada-China relations since 2001. For 8 years, he worked at the Canada China Business Council (CCBC). As the Managing Director for China, he was responsible for operations in China, executing strategies and initiatives set by the organization, coordinating high-level events for both Canadian and Chinese government officials, and supporting corporate delegations between the two countries.

About the moderator:

Stephen Wortley
Executive Partner, Co-Chair, China Practice Group, McMillan LLP

As Co-Chair of McMillan's Hong Kong Office and Co-Chair of the China Practice Group, Stephen takes the lead in providing service to China-based clients seeking acquisitions, investments or financing in Canada. With a long track record in the Asia-Pacific region for over 20 years, and with one of the largest China-based client lists in Canada, McMillan offers an in-depth understanding of the Chinese marketplace.

 

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