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Gateway to the Indo-Pacific
Gateway to the Indo-Pacific
April 10, 2024 | This free event offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse business opportunities within the Indo-Pacific region and provides the insights and solutions needed for Canadian businesses to succeed in these dynamic and rapidly growing markets.
Fostering the Growth of Canadian Business
April 10, 2024 | Montreal, QC | Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel
With rapid economic growth, extensive infrastructure development and billions of potential customers, including a burgeoning middle class eager for new products and services, the Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a crucial destination for Canadian businesses looking to diversify their trade opportunities. In particular, there are great opportunities for Canadian companies in the following sectors: agri-food, infrastructure, clean technology and advanced manufacturing. But, the Indo-Pacific region is complex, and inexperienced exporters face many potential pitfalls.
This free event offers an in-depth exploration of the diverse business opportunities within the Indo-Pacific region. Our sessions will delve into discussions on emerging sectors, equipping Canadian businesses with the insights and solutions needed to expand their presence and thrive in these dynamic and rapidly growing markets.
This event is hosted in collaboration with:
Agenda
| 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Registration and Exhibition |
| 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. | Welcoming Remarks Catherine Fortin LeFaivre, Vice President, Strategic Policy & Global Partnerships, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Opening Remarks Ghislain Robichaud, Regional Director (Quebec & Nunavut) & Senior Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada Stéphane Fallecker, Director Exports, Asia-Pacific & Oceania Markets, Investissement Québec International |
| 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Fireside Chat Mairead Lavery, President and CEO, Export Development Canada Perrin Beatty, President and CEO, Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
| 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Networking Break and Expo |
| 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Panel Discussion Seizing Opportunities: Choosing the Right Market and Entry Strategy in the Indo-Pacific This panel will bring together a diverse group of experts to tackle common challenges associated with doing business in the Indo-Pacific region. Topics include identifying suitable customers, diversifying market presence, managing geopolitical risks, understanding market dynamics and entry strategies, expanding buyer outreach and navigating financial tools within the trade landscape. We will also explore the untapped potential of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in the Indo-Pacific. This panel will delve into the intricacies of navigating regulatory variations and overcoming implementation obstacles that may impede the pursuit of these opportunities. Moderator: Mélissa Prophète, Director, Client Operations, Asia-Pacific Markets, Investissement Québec International Panellists: Guillaume Brossard, Vice President, Development, Marketing & International Relations, Port of Montreal Jeff Mahon, Director, International Business & Geopolitical Advisory Practice, Strategy Corp & Executive in Residence, Canada West Foundation Nigel Neale, Director, Team Canada Trade Missions & FTA Promotion, Trade Commissioner Service, Global Affairs Canada |
| 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch and Exhibition |
| 1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Panel Discussion Navigating the Road Ahead: Canada’s Contribution to EV Manufacturing in the Indo-Pacific Canada boasts abundant mineral resources like lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite, all of which are pivotal for manufacturing lithium-ion batteries crucial in EVs. Canadian companies have an opportunity to forge partnerships and invest in supplying these vital materials to EV battery manufacturers in the Indo-Pacific, bolstering the surging demand for electric vehicles. Furthermore, as EV adoption gains momentum in the Indo-Pacific, there emerges a pressing need for local manufacturing hubs to produce EVs and their components. This scenario opens doors for Canadian firms adept in automotive manufacturing, engineering, and technology to collaborate with local entities, catalyzing the establishment or expansion of EV manufacturing operations. Our panel discussion aims to explore these opportunities along the EV supply chain, emphasizing Canada’s pivotal role in this burgeoning industry. Moderator: Sven List, Senior Vice President, Corporate & International, Export Development Canada Panellists: David Anonychuk, Global Vice President, Metallurgy & Consulting, SGS Leigh Clarke, Vice President, Corporate Development, E3 Lithium Corinne Havard, Former Senior Policy Advisor to the Minister of National Defence A.J. Nichols, Vice President, Global Corporate Affairs, Vale Base Metals |
| 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Networking Break and Expo |
| 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. | Panel Discussion Harvesting Potential: Seizing Agri-Food Opportunities in the Indo-Pacific The Indo-Pacific’s middle-income population is growing rapidly. A higher purchasing power is increasing demand for high-quality, nutrient-rich foods, such as grains, pulses, meats and processed food items. At the same time, over one billion people in the region suffer from severe or moderate levels of food insecurity. Canada, as a leading and trusted exporter of agri-food products, has an opportunity to capitalize on the demands of the growing middle class while also meaningfully reducing food insecurity in the region. This panel will discuss increasing the presence of Canada’s agri-food businesses in the region, addressing barriers to trade and the importance of critical transport infrastructure in helping Canada meet its goals. Moderator: René Roy, Chair of the Board of Directors, Canadian Pork Council Panellists: Sarah Fedorchuk, Vice President, Government & Public Affairs, North America, The Mosaic Company Solange Henoud, Vice President, Regulatory & Compliance, Lallemand Health Solutions Brian Innes, Executive Director, Soy Canada Jeff Nankivell, President & CEO, Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada |
| 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. | Networking Reception |
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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