On December 1, 2025, Toronto hosted the China-Canada Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum, drawing over 150 political and business leaders from both nations. This gathering arrived at a symbolic moment: the year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 20th anniversary of their strategic partnership between China and Canada.
Ren Hongbin, chairman of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, opened the forum by highlighting these milestones and calling for deeper ties. He outlined strategies to support enterprises on both sides to expand trade and investment, enhance cooperation in traditional sectors, explore emerging fields and jointly develop third-party markets.
Ian Burney, executive director and CEO of the Canada-China Business Council, echoed Ren’s message. He pointed to ample opportunities for Chinese and Canadian enterprises to forge partnerships, exchange expertise and drive innovation across diverse industries.
Members of Canada’s business community left feeling optimistic. They applauded China’s positive signals of proactive opening up and noted that, amid a profound transformation of the global supply chain, strengthening economic and trade cooperation is both timely and strategic. Canada is looking to leverage the CISCE as a bridge, drawing on its strengths in financial services, resources and energy, advanced manufacturing and agri-food to deepen engagement with Chinese enterprises.
As global markets evolve, this Toronto forum set the stage for 2026 and beyond, spotlighting a shared vision for sustainable, inclusive growth. Young entrepreneurs, tech innovators and changemakers on both sides now have fresh momentum to build on this renewed spirit of collaboration.
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China-Canada Trade and Investment Cooperation Forum held in Toronto
cgtn.com
