[Event Report] Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Seminar on Canada

Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry - Seminar on Canada

On March 20th, as part of the Japan-Canada Chambers Council, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI) hosted a seminar on the Canadian economy (national and provincial) and recent trends in Japanese business in Canada. Guests in attendance were mostly large and mid-sized companies from the JCCI's membership, with an established presence in Canada, or plans to invest in the Canadian market.  

The seminar started with a broad look at the economic climate in Canada from the Japanese perspective. First, Mr. Kuroda of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, started with an overview of Canada's recent macro economic trends, and an update on Canada-Japan economic/business relations. Following his presentation, Ms. Ando of the Japan External Trade Bureau (JETRO) spoke on trends pertaining to Japanese companies doing business in Canada.  

From the Canadian side. Andrea Clements, Counsellor, Investments and Energy of the Canadian Embassy opened the second part of the session, focused on industry develpment in the Canadian provinces. Following her remarks, presentations on British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec were made by representatives of each of these provinces Japan offices. The JCCI is planning to host more seminars on Canada. Going forward, they are likely to be more industry specific. Stay tuned, as these events are a great way to to meet Japanese companies with a strong business interest in Canada. 

Agenda:

Canada Overview (14:00 - 15:00)

  • Recent Economic Conditions in Canada and Canadian-Japanese Relations (Mr. Junichiro Kuroda, Trade Policy Bureau, METI) (14:00-14:30)
  • Trends of Japanese Companies in Canada (Ms. Rika Ando, North America Section, JETRO) (14:30-15:00)

Economics and Industry in the Canadian Provinces (15:00-15:50)

  • Embassy of Canada in Japan (Ms. Andrea Clements, Counsellor, Investments and Energy) (opening remarks)
  • British Columbia (Mr. Avrom Salsberg, Managing Director, British Columbia Trade and Investment Office) (10-15 minutes)
  • Alberta (10-15 minutes)
  • Ontario (Mr. Robert Ulmer, Managing Director, Ontario International Marketing Centre) (10-15 minutes)
  • Quebec (Mr. Mohan Patel, Representative Director, Invest Quebec) 

What is the Japan-Canada Chambers Council?

Launched in 2014, the Japan-Canada Chambers Council is a platform to build relationships, share knowledge and advocate policies to support bilateral trade and investment. It does this through joint events, delegations, research, public statements and meetings with policymakers. Housed in the Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Japan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, the Council includes senior executives from leading member companies in both groups. Leadership is provided by two national chairs: Mr. Shoei Utsuda, Global Chairman of Mitsui & Co., Inc (Japan) and the Hon. Perrin Beatty, President & CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Canada).

Past activities

  • “Building the Future through Partnership”, First Commemorative Symposium of the Japan-Canada Chambers Council, Tokyo, November 5, 2014
  • Roundtable with Ian Burney, Assistant Deputy Minister, Trade Policy & Negotiations, DFATD & Chief Negotiator, Canada-Japan EPA, Vancouver, April 15, 2014
  • Roundtable with Cam MacKay, Director General, Trade Negotiations, DFATD & Co-Chair, Canada-Japan EPA, Toronto, December 9, 2013
  • 2013 Canada-Japan Trade Symposium, Toronto, April 25, 2013

Resources and media

Key event participants:

 

 

 

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