Non-Members - Seminar on Outlook for China and Hong Kong

 This is the “Asian Century “and it is imperative for Canadian companies to secure footholds in mega markets such as China. But how have the China and Hong Kong markets been faring? What is the outlook for the Chinese economy as it continues to evolve in an uncertain global environment? How has Hong Kong been impacted and why is it still an important platform?

Join us to hear about the challenges and evolving opportunities for Canadian companies in Asia as we welcome Peter Hall, Chief Economist from EDC to paint the current picture of the Asian economy and the short and longer term implications for Canada and Canadian companies. You will also learn how Hong Kong can be a value added platform as you plan and execute your Asia strategy.

Date: Thursday, March 22, 2018

Time: 5:00 – 7:45 pm

Location: BLG office, Suite 1300 – 100 Queen St. Ottawa, ON K1P 1J9, Canada

Advance registration required: 

      Members: Free   Click to Register   Non-Members: $25  Click to Register

Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres

Program:

5:00 – Networking 

5:45 – Welcome and Introduction, Amy Willis, President, HKCBA Ottawa

5:50 – Outlook for China and Hong Kong and Implications for Canadian Companies, Peter Hall, Vice President and Chief Economist, Export Development Canada

6:25 – The Economy of Hong Kong and How Hong Kong is an Ideal Partner for Canadian Enterprises to Do Business in China, Kathy Chan, Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Toronto)

6:45 – Q & A Session   

7:00 – Closing Remark, Amy Willis, President, HKCBA Ottawa

7:05 –  Networking 

7:45 – Adjournment

Event Sponsor

Speakers

Peter Hall
Vice President and Chief Economist, Export Development Canada

Peter Hall joined Export Development Canada (EDC) in November 2004. With over 25 years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting, Mr. Hall is responsible for overseeing EDC’s economic analysis, country risk assessment and corporate research groups. In addition to preparing strategic advice for senior management at EDC, Mr. Hall is a featured speaker at conferences, international roundtables and policy fora, and regularly appears in television, radio and print media commenting on the world economy and Canadian international trade issues. He produces a widely circulated print and video weekly commentary covering an eclectic range of current global economic issues.

 Prior to joining EDC, Mr. Hall directed the economic forecasting activities of the Conference Board of Canada. Mr. Hall has served as president of both the Canadian Association for Business Economics, a 600-member national association of professional economists, and its largest local chapter, the Ottawa Economics Association. He has also been a volunteer board and committee member for two Ottawa area private schools. Mr. Hall has degrees in economics from both Carleton University and the University of Toronto.

EDC is Canada’s trade finance agency, providing financing and insurance solutions locally and around the world to help Canadian companies of any size respond to international business opportunities. As a profitable Crown corporation that operates on commercial principles, EDC works together with private- and public- sector financial institutions to create greater capacity for Canadian companies to engage in trade and investment.

Kathy Chan 
Director, Hong Kong Economic & Trade Office (Toronto)

Miss Kathy Chan joined the Hong Kong Special Administration Government in 1999 as a member of the Administrative Officer Grade. Before taking up the Director post in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto in November 2015, she had worked in different offices, including the Home Affairs Bureau, the Home Affairs Department, the Economic Development and Labour Bureau, the Shanghai Office and the Education Bureau. Before coming to Toronto, Miss Chan served as the Principal Assistant Secretary for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, responsible for policy matters on support for small and medium enterprises, postal services, and trade relations of Hong Kong with the Mainland and Taiwan. Miss Chan received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Amy Willis
President, Hong Kong Canada Business Association - Ottawa Chapter

Amy Willis is President of the HKCBA, Ottawa Chapter and is a member of the Board of the HKCBA National Committee. She is a regular visitor to Hong Kong and China, and is passionate about facilitating closer business ties between Canada, Hong Kong, and China and promoting the concept of “Think Asia – Think Hong Kong”.

Amy is currently a Director with Pinnacle Global,
an investment and consultancy firm that provides investment management services for Chinese investors and consulting services that help both Chinese and Canadian companies expand and penetrate markets in Canada and China.

Amy has over 10 years of experience in strategic planning,
operations, finance, and partnership development in China,
Hong Kong, Canada, and the U.S. She has first-hand
 knowledge of doing business in China and a sound understanding of the local business landscape in China and Hong Kong. She is passionate about making a real difference by solving business issues and building solid strategic relationships to drive organizations forward. Her passion for helping others to succeed has earned her a proven record of business success, which has been featured on CBC, CTV, Rogers, and in the Ottawa Citizen.

Amy received her MBA from Queen’s University and Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) from the University of Ottawa. She is also a Chartered Professional Accountant, Certified Management Accountant (CPA, CMA) and holder of the Certificate for Responsible Leadership from Queen’s School of Business. Amy is fluent in English and Mandarin. Amy also sits on the Board of the Financial Management Institute Of Canada (FMI IGF) - Capital Chapter.