Editor's note: David Perez-Des Rosiers is the chief representative for the Canada-China Business Council in Beijing, while Liao Zhu is a business editor at CGTN. This article is Perez-Des Rosiers' account, drawing on his experience working in China. His co-author, Liao Zhu, places his observations in the broader context of China-Canada economic ties, a theme also highlighted at the ninth China International Import Expo. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect CGTN's position.

Canada's return as a Guest Country of Honor at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) comes at a consequential moment for global trade. As governments and businesses reassess supply chains and partnerships, Canada is seeking to diversify its trade relationships and work with different partners on matters where interests align. The question for businesses is how that flexibility can translate into practical, lasting cooperation with China.

The ongoing ninth CIIE, held in Shanghai from November 5 to 10, marks Canada's second appearance as a Guest Country of Honor, following the inaugural expo in 2018. The Canadian presence spans agrifood, natural health products, consumer goods, finance, professional services and other sectors. This breadth offers a useful snapshot of how commercial ties can grow beyond traditional resource exports. Canadian strengths in agriculture and energy remain relevant, while consumer products and services are creating additional points of connection.

Recent engagement has helped set a direction for that work. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's January visit to China was followed by understandings on trade, investment, agriculture, energy and electric vehicles. For Canadian businesses, the significance lies in clearer priorities and more room to develop partnerships. As David Perez-Des Rosiers, chief representative in Beijing for the Canada China Business Council (CCBC), puts it, the visit "provided a clearer roadmap for bilateral economic cooperation, identifying priority sectors and new opportunities for business partnerships." Continued government and business dialogue plays a significant role in providing companies with more predictability required for long-term planning.

The strongest opportunities are in fields where the two economies can complement one another. Canadian agrifood companies are already working with Chinese partners on supply, research and capacity building. Canada can also contribute to China's food and energy security as it expands liquefied natural gas and crude oil exports to Asia. Cleantech and consumer products offer further potential. In financial services, Canadian capabilities in pension management, cross-border asset management, retirement products, health and longevity can support China's evolving services sector.

CIIE matters because it gives companies a chance to test these possibilities in the market itself. Around 120 Canadian companies are participating this year, according to the CCBC. Beyond presenting products, they can meet buyers and potential partners, observe competitors and learn how Chinese consumers' expectations are changing. Perez-Des Rosiers encourages Canadian firms to use the expo as a starting point: Visit the market, meet industry stakeholders and follow up on promising conversations. Direct engagement helps companies assess their positioning and make better-informed decisions.

That point is central to the CIIE value. An exhibition can introduce companies to one another, but durable business depends on what follows: regular communication, practical problem-solving and investment in relationships. CIIE, trade missions and industry forums can all help build those connections. Ongoing dialogue between companies and government stakeholders can also surface barriers early and improve the conditions for cooperation.

The changing global trade environment makes diversification a priority for many economies. But diversification is not an end in itself. Its value comes from creating resilient and mutually beneficial partnerships. Canada and China have complementary strengths in food, energy, technology, consumer markets and services. The task ahead is to turn those strengths into sustained trade, investment and innovation. CIIE offers a timely place to begin that work — and a measure of its success will be the partnerships that continue after the expo closes.