Recently, the Consulate General of PRC in Toronto, the Consulate General of PRC in Vancouver, the China International Import Expo Bureau, and Bank of China (Canada) successfully hosted promotion events for the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Toronto and Vancouver. More than 350 participants from local business communities attended the events in both cities. Attendees included representatives from organizations such as the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Representative Office in Canada, the Canada-China Business Association (CCBA), the Association of Chinese Canadian Entrepreneurs (ACCE), the Canada International Trade Promotion Society (CITPS), Canada Exhibition and Trade Association (CETA), the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) as well as delegates from various enterprises.

Keynote Speech by Consul General Luo Weidong in Toronto

Consul General Luo Weidong of China in Toronto encouraged Canadian businesses to participate in the CIIE to boost exports of Canadian products to China, share in the benefits of China’s economic growth, and support Canada’s efforts to diversify its markets. He noted that China’s large-scale market and sound economic development provide a solid foundation for the continued success of the CIIE. This year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of the strategic partnership between China and Canada. With highly complementary economies, the two countries have great potential for mutually beneficial cooperation. 

Keynote Speech by Consul General Yang Shu in Vancouver

Consul General Yang Shu of China in Vancouver welcomed Canadian enterprises to continue participating actively in the 8th CIIE. In his speech, he emphasized that China’s economy continues to perform well, contributing around 30% to global economic growth and serving as a key engine for the world economy. The CIIE is a major initiative by China to advance high-level opening-up and provides valuable opportunities for countries including Canada. China is committed to working with the international community to uphold the multilateral trading system, its core values, and fundamental principles, and to promote trade liberalization and facilitation.

Video Speech by Wu Zhengping, Deputy Director General of the CIIE Bureau

Wu Zhengping noted that the 8th CIIE will inject momentum into global cooperation through higher level of opening-up. Preparations for the expo are progressing steadily, with over 250,000 square meters of exhibition space already signed for the Business Exhibition. He highlighted the complementary nature of the Chinese and Canadian economies, with China having remained Canada’s second-largest trading partner for years. Canadian companies have actively participated in the CIIE, with over 460 companies participating across the past seven editions. He expressed the hope of continuing to strengthen cooperation with Canadian government departments, export promotion agencies, and industry associations to bring more high-quality Canadian enterprises and products to the Chinese market.