Montreal’s business community gathered this week for a high‑level promotional event for the China International Import Expo, signalling a renewed and increasingly structured phase of commercial re‑engagement between Canada and China. Hosted at Fasken’s offices in downtown Montreal, the session brought together senior representatives from government, finance, law, and industry who are looking to expand Canadian participation in one of the world’s most influential import‑focused expos.
The event was organized by the China International Import Expo Bureau, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal, and Bank of China Canada. It received support from the Canada-China Chamber of Commerce, Investissement Québec, the Canada-China Business Council, and the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association. Representatives from Desjardins Wealth Management were also in attendance, underscoring the growing interest among Canadian financial institutions in China‑related commercial activity. Fasken served as the venue host, and Thomas Liu, Director of Bank of China Canada’s Montreal branch, moderated the afternoon program.
The session opened with registration and networking before moving into formal remarks. Dr. Deng Jun, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bank of China Canada and President of the Canada-China Chamber of Commerce, welcomed attendees and emphasized the importance of sustained engagement between Canadian exporters and the Chinese market. He noted that the China International Import Expo continues to serve as a major gateway for international companies seeking visibility and access in China’s rapidly evolving consumer landscape.
Mr. Dai Yuming, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Montreal, followed with remarks highlighting the long‑standing economic relationship between the two countries. He encouraged more Canadian companies to participate in the expo and underscored the value of direct dialogue, cultural understanding, and in‑market experience.
The Hon. Martin Cauchon, Vice Chair of the Canada-China Business Council delivered one of the most anticipated interventions of the afternoon. A former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Minister of National Revenue in the Chrétien government, Cauchon brought both political weight and deep institutional experience to the discussion. His remarks underscored the strategic importance of Canadian participation in the China International Import Expo and the broader reopening of commercial channels between the two countries.
Ms. Mélissa Prophète, Export Director for Asia Pacific, Oceania, and Middle East Markets at Investissement Québec, offered insights into the growing interest among Québec companies in expanding their presence in China. She highlighted the importance of preparation, market intelligence, and long‑term strategy for exporters looking to succeed in a competitive environment.
Mr. Ponora Ang, Partner and Co‑Leader of the Asia Pacific Group at Fasken, addressed the legal and structural considerations that companies should keep in mind when entering China. His remarks were followed by a video introduction to the upcoming edition of the China International Import Expo, outlining the scale, sector focus, and opportunities available to exhibitors.
The thematic session began with a presentation from Bank of China Canada on financial service solutions available to CIIE exhibitors. The presentation included a question‑and‑answer segment that allowed participants to explore practical issues related to financing, transactions, and cross‑border operations.
Above: Moderator Yanik Deschênes, President of YPR Canada Inc., joined by Mélissa Prophète from Investissement Québec, Marc Kealey of the Trifocal Global Foundation, Chenggang Han of Canada Royal Milk, and David Williams of Intelcom and Dragonfly.
A panel discussion followed on the theme of entering the Chinese market and the strategies Canadian exporters can use to succeed. The session was moderated by Yanik Deschênes, President of YPR Canada Inc. Panelists included Mélissa Prophète of Investissement Québec, Marc Kealey of the Trifocal Global Foundation, Chenggang Han of Canada Royal Milk, and David Williams of Intelcom and Dragonfly. Kealey, widely recognized as one of Canada’s most experienced voices on China–Canada business relations, brought a particularly deep perspective. Having travelled to China more than seventy times over the past three decades on various commercial and policy projects, he offered a grounded understanding of the opportunities and challenges Canadian companies face. His insights added a level of practical realism that resonated strongly with attendees.
The conversations made it evident that momentum is building toward the November China International Import Expo in Shanghai and the broader reopening of commercial channels between Canada and China.
The event concluded with an open discussion and audience questions. Participants expressed optimism about the potential for deeper commercial engagement and a renewed commitment to building long‑term partnerships in the Chinese market.
The Montreal promotional event underscored that, following the reset in relations between Prime Minister Carney and President Xi earlier this year, Canadian companies remain eager to explore opportunities in China and that platforms like the China International Import Expo continue to play a central role in connecting businesses across borders.
