17/01/2026
Sharing a post from Dr. Howard Stribbell, President of Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macau.
Last night, I had the great privilege of representing the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Macau in Beijing, joining a historic visit—the first by a Canadian Prime Minister to China in nearly a decade.
The energy at the China-Canada Trade and Investment Dinner, hosted by the Canada China Business Council, was truly electric. As Foreign Minister Anita Anand noted, this is a new government, with a new approach, in a new geopolitical environment. The optimism in the room wasn't just hopeful—it was rooted in tangible progress.
We heard directly from China’s Vice Premier He Lifeng, who oversees economic and financial affairs. He acknowledged past challenges but emphasized the resilience of our cooperation and the confidence of the business leaders present, from iconic brands like Manulife, Bombardier, and Lululemon to future partnerships in energy, AI, and digital technologies.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s message was complementary and clear: “Nostalgia is not a strategy. We must engage.” And engage we did, with a focus on real, substantive outcomes for Canadian businesses:
✅ A major step in agriculture: China has reduced its tariff on Canadian canola from 84% to 15%, effectively reopening a vital export channel for our farmers.
✅ A new framework for trade: The announcement of a new strategic partnership sets a goal to double the level of Canadian exports to China by 2030.
✅ Strengthening people-to-people ties: China will add Canada to its visa-free travel list, removing barriers and building trust for more Canadians to experience China firsthand.
✅ Forward-looking in automotive: The visit opened discussions on electric vehicles and future investment, signaling new avenues for collaboration.
Having lived and worked in this region for nearly 20 years, I’ve always believed in the power of direct engagement. Beyond the immense opportunity, I’ve been consistently impressed by the warmth, safety, and cultural richness here. This visit marks a significant pivot toward deeper, meaningful cooperation.
The path forward is built on respect, resilience, and real business. This isn’t just diplomacy—it’s about partnership, progress, and shared prosperity.
Onward.
[Link to official release: https://www.pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2026/01/16/prime-minister-carney-forges-new-strategic-partnership-peoples]
