One could consider this Friday the 13th lucky for Erin and Wellington County.
On June 13, Fang Li, China’s Counsel General to Canada, will be touring Erin, Guelph and Wellington County to discuss potential bi-lateral trade opportunities.
It is a chance to learn more about trade opportunities in China and how local businesses could benefit.
The tour begins at 9:30am with a breakfast meeting hosted by the East Wellington Chamber of Commerce at David’s Restaurant.
Currently China is Ontario’s second largest trading partner. Bilateral trade between China and Ontario has spiked over the past few years, increasing eight fold in the past decade, from $7 billion USD annually to over $55 billion USD last year.
Although China is self sufficient in food production, there is a desire to improve their diet by adding more meat products and dairy.
With a current population of more than 1.35 billion people, the land base required for cattle/dairy/animal herds and speciality types of agriculture is limited – which therefore provides a tremendous trading opportunity for Ontario’s agriculture sector.
Annually some 90,000 Chinese students study in Canadian universities.
Tourism sees another 10,000 visit annually and that is increasing by 20% per year.
There are currently 1.5 million Chinese nationals living in Canada, mostly in Ontario and many of those are located in the GTA.
Li’s visit is being organized by Erin Mayor Lou Maieron in an attempt to stimulate economic development and provide residents, businesses and entrepreneurs with a venue to hear first hand what trade and commerce opportunities currently exist and how to open doors to greater trade between Ontario and China.
Maieron thanked the East Wellington Chamber of Commerce for hosting the breakfast meeting.
“This is a terrific opportunity for local businesses and residents to better get to know their local chamber of commerce and perhaps join,” said Maieron
“As such the chamber is welcoming all those interested to attend this breakfast free of charge.”
