Economic Winds Warm as Canada–China Cooperation Deepens for the Future
- 王琳 Lynn Wang
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
【CMHnews Edmonton post】Consul General Zhao Liying Attends the 2026 Canada–China Business Dialogue & Mixer
Reported by Lynn Wang
March 27th，2026
In 2026, as high-level visits between Canada and China resume and the "Canada–China New Strategic Partnership" moves forward, bilateral economic and trade cooperation is experiencing a seasonal "thaw." Against this backdrop, the Edmonton Chamber of Commerce recently hosted the "2026 Canada–China Business Dialogue & Mixer" at the World Trade Centre, drawing a full house of government and business leaders to discuss new opportunities for cooperation with China.
The event saw a packed audience. Key attendees included Edmonton Mayor Andrew Knack, Alberta NDP MLA Nathan Ip, and several heavyweights in the trade sector who shared their expertise on entering the Chinese market.
Zhao Liying, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Calgary , （ serving Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories) , delivered the keynote address. This was followed by an in-depth panel discussion featuring Deputy Consul General Liang Lin, Ron Horton, Vice President of the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), and Hubert Lau, founder of Trust Fix. The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Ma Lin, President of the Canada-China Friendship Society of Edmonton（CCFSE）.
The following core insights and practical recommendations from the forum are provided for our readers’ reference.
I. A New Chapter: The "Warm Spring" of Bilateral Trade
The Edmonton Chamber of Commerce noted in its opening remarks that China has long been one of Alberta’s most vital economic partners.
Data shows that China's cumulative investment in Alberta is nearly $60 billion CAD, accounting for almost half of its total investment in Canada. The early development of Alberta’s energy sector was closely linked to Chinese capital. Today, China remains a critical market for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) exported via British Columbia.
Consul General Zhao Liying: Stable Policy Environment Brings Three Major Opportunities
Consul General Zhao Liying pointed out that the current policy environment is stabilizing, creating more favorable conditions for trade and investment:
Recovery in Bilateral Trade: Following tariff adjustments, high-quality Alberta beef and canola have successfully re-entered the Chinese market. In 2025, bilateral trade reached $15 billion CAD, signaling a strong upward trend.
Strong Market Demand: China’s economic growth target of 4.5% to 5% provides stability, with sustained demand for LNG, crude oil, and high-quality Canadian agricultural products.
People-to-People Ties as a Foundation: Speakers emphasized that cultural exchanges—such as the 40th anniversary of the Edmonton-Harbin "Sister City" relationship—provide the foundation for business trust. The logic of "making friends before doing business" remains essential in the Chinese market.
II. Expert Panel: 30 Years of Wisdom on "Going Global"
In a panel moderated by the Chamber, three guests shared practical advice for Canadian companies looking to do business with China.
Align with National Policy: Deputy Consul General Liang Lin suggested that companies focus on China’s policy directions, particularly the industries highlighted in the "Five-Year Plan." He also encouraged participation in national platforms like the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the Canton Fair, and the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE).
"China Speed" Meets Long-Termism: Ron Horton, VP of the CCBC, noted that many Canadian failures stem from misjudging the market. He stressed the importance of Intellectual Property (IP) protection and legal preparation as a first step, and warned against underestimating the value of long-term "guanxi" (relationships).
Breaking Prejudices: Hubert Lau, a prominent Edmonton entrepreneur, defended the Chinese business environment. He argued that partners will actively protect your IP if your company provides indispensable value. He noted that the "bottleneck" in cooperation is often the slower decision-making and lack of preparation on the Canadian side rather than the Chinese side.
III.Upcoming Opportunities: Practical Paths for Local Businesses
To help Edmonton businesses manage risk while seizing opportunities, the organizers highlighted several key upcoming events:
Global Promotion of the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE)
Date: April 28, 2026
Location: Dentons, Downtown Calgary (In-person & Virtual)
Details: This event is designed to showcase the 9th CIIE and connect Canadian exporters with opportunities to access China’s expanding market, while strengthening Canada–China trade cooperation. RSVP to CIIE@bankofchina.ca
China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) 2026
Date: April 13–18, 2026
Location: Haikou, Hainan Province
Highlight: Canada is the "Country of Honor" this year. Alberta’s Minister of Agriculture will lead a delegation.
Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) National Conference
Date: May 7, 2026
Location: Edmonton
Details: A premier local platform for understanding Asian market dynamics.
Conclusion | What Does This Mean for the Chinese Community?
While this forum provides a "roadmap" for businesses, for the local Chinese community, it serves as a significant signal.
The warming of Canada–China relations directly impacts employment, investment, and business opportunities in trade, logistics, real estate, education, and tourism. The Chinese community, with its linguistic advantages and cultural understanding, acts as the vital "bridge" in this evolving environment.
For CMH News, following these issues is part of our mission: helping the community see trends clearly and seize opportunities amidst a changing global landscape. As trade recovery translates into actual jobs and partnerships, every member of our community becomes a part of this "warm spring."
The only question is: Are you ready to stand at the starting line of this new round of cooperation?
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