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China 101

Workshop Synopsis:

With China growing as a political and economic superpower, more people are interested in learning about China. This China 101 Workshop aims to equip local and regional businesspeople, government officials and residents with knowledge about China through a variety of perspectives – cultural, educational, demographic, economic, political, legal, etc.

If you are curious about China or thinking about doing business with Chinese companies, this workshop is a good place to get you off the ground. Come and learn about China!

Why you should attend:

China is now the world's second largest economy after the U.S., as measured by the purchasing power of GDP. Since 2003, China has been Canada's second biggest trading partner, and accounts for 5% of Canada's world trade. Furthermore, China is now Canada's fourth biggest export market after US, UK and Japan. For any business that wishes to diversify away from US dependence, China is just too important to ignore.

Economists say Chinese demand of Australian commodities has dragged Australia out of the economic recession hole and made it the least recession-hit Western nation. For a country that has a similar population and economic structure as Australia, Canada's economic future would have to align with China's economic future.

China 101 Speaker Presentations:

Provided below in PDF format, in order of presentation:

• Zhanling Yuan
• Marilyn Denton
• James Chen
• Bill Quackenbush
• Judy Campbell
• Carolyn Russel
• Tom Prowse
• Kathie Scouten

Exporting 101

Workshop Synopsis:

Export is the driving force of an economy and communities within that economy. This Exporting 101 Workshop aims to equip local and regional manufacturers and businesses with everything you need to know in exporting.

If you are new to export and have the following questions you want to come and listen to what our industry experts have to say.

• How to do due diligence on foreign companies?
• How to manage or mitigate risks associated with exporting?
• How to develop an export strategy?
• How to access export insurance and financing?
• What trade commissioner services are available to Canadian companies?
• How to locate solid, trustworthy foreign business partners?
• How to meet logistics solutions challenges?
• What are the challenges and opportunities faced by established exporters?

Why you should attend:

For any for-profit business, the main purpose is to make money for the people who own the business. All other objectives are secondary to achieving this goal – it may sound ruthless, but it is the essence of capitalism.

Achieving this goal obviously means growing your business in a sustainable way. No one can stay the same size - you either grow or die, because if your business does not grow, the competitors will grow, and soon you will lose your customers to competitors who grew, and had more choices, or made cheaper products. So to stay in business you have to grow because the nature of the competitive environment will not let you stay the same size.

Against the backdrop that Canada is a trading economy with exports accounting for 40% GDP growing the business partly depends on foreign sales as they simply expand your sales into new territories and diversify your revenue streams so you don't have to put all eggs in one basket.

Exporting 101 Speaker Presentations:

Provided below in PDF format, in order of presentation:

• Kathie Scouten
• Tom Prowse
• Prashant Desai
• Christian Hansen
• Ali Jamal
• Richard Brinkert
• Fred Spinola

Backhaul 101

Workshop Synopsis:

• Introduction of CN intermodal facilities in Prince George – distribution center, multi-commodity storage yard, transloading facilities, container handling equipment
• Costs associated with accessing containers at Prince George intermodal facilities
• Probable solutions to streamlining high distribution costs
• CN – COSCO working relationship
• Solutions to backhaul challenges
• Shipping costs from Prince George to destination ports in Asia
• Time and cost advantages associated with the Port of Prince Rupert

Why you should attend:

If you are a business currently exporting to the Asia-Pacific and/or US heartland markets, or would like to be exporting to these markets, this workshop is for you. The speakers will discuss how to access CN Transload intermodal services for direct shipping to Asia through the Port of Prince Rupert.

Presentations will be given by CN and COSCO.

Backhaul 101 Speaker Presentations:

• Dan Bresolin
• Dave Bedwell