Event Recap | CanCham Shanghai @ CIIE 2026: Annual Trade & Logistics Forum

November 4, 2026 / CanCham Shanghai

Dr. Mark Ceolin, Founder and Chairman of CanCham Shanghai, delivers welcoming remarks to open the forum.

On Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (CanCham Shanghai) kicked off CanCham Shanghai @ CIIE 2026 with its Annual Trade & Logistics Forum at the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai. As the first of two events held that day, it brought together business leaders, industry experts, and representatives from across the Canada-China business community to discuss international trade, logistics, and global partnerships.

The forum featured a plenary address and two panel discussions, offering insights into the evolving economic landscape, supply chain connectivity, and the importance of building resilient international business relationships.

Welcoming Remarks

The afternoon began with welcoming remarks from Dr. Mark Ceolin, Founder and Chairman of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, who highlighted the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to facilitate industry dialogue, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen connections between Canadian businesses and their partners across China and the wider Indo-Pacific region.

Dr. Ceolin also emphasized the significance of establishing the Trade & Logistics Forum as an annual event, building on the success of CanCham’s previous industry roundtables and discussions.

Plenary Address: China’s Economic Outlook

The forum continued with a plenary address by Senior Fellow Mark Kruger, affiliated with the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI), the Yicai Institute, and the University of Alberta’s China Institute. He provided an overview of China’s economic outlook and the broader developments shaping international trade.

His presentation explored key economic trends, including domestic consumption, investment, and export performance, while examining the challenges and opportunities facing China’s economy.

He also discussed the changing international trade environment and its implications for businesses operating across borders, providing valuable context for the two panel discussions that followed.

Senior Fellow Mark Kruger delivers the plenary address on China’s economic outlook.

Panel 1: Logistics Between Canada and China

The first panel, Logistics Between Canada and China, was moderated by Alix Li, a member of the CanCham Shanghai Advisory Council and former Chief Representative – Asia, of Vancouver Fraser Port.

Before welcoming the panelists, Alix Li delivered a brief presentation highlighting Canada’s international trade patterns and the growing importance of the Indo-Pacific region. He illustrated the interconnected nature of global supply chains and the essential role of transportation infrastructure in facilitating trade between Canada and Asia.

Alix Li presents on Canada’s international trade patterns ahead of the first panel.

The panel brought together Kevin Moraes from the Prince Rupert Port Authority (PRPA), Jeremy Masters from the Port of Montreal, Xiaojia Guo from Canadian National Railway Company (CN), Iris Pan from Orient Overseas Container Line (OOCL), Liu Peng from Eastern Airports Group (Nanjing Lukou Airport), and Benjamin Chen from Everwin Global Express.

Panelists shared perspectives on the role of Canadian ports, railway networks, ocean carriers, and air freight services in facilitating the movement of goods across international markets.

The discussion addressed the importance of reliable transportation networks, supply chain efficiency, infrastructure development, and closer coordination among logistics providers. Speakers also explored how businesses can adapt to evolving trade patterns and increasing demand for flexible, integrated logistics solutions.

Panel 1 speakers on stage, and a full room following the discussion on Canada–China logistics.

An audience question-and-answer session followed, providing participants with an opportunity to engage directly with the panelists and discuss practical challenges and opportunities in international logistics.

Attendees put their questions to the panel during the Q&A.

Refreshment Break & Networking

Following the first panel, guests enjoyed a refreshment break, offering an opportunity to continue conversations, exchange perspectives, and connect with fellow attendees and industry representatives. CanCham Shanghai, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC), Fudan International School of Finance (FISF), Liya Solutions, and PACT China were present, offering participants an opportunity to learn more about their organizations, exchange insights, and explore potential business connections.

Guests connect over refreshments and visit the exhibitor tables, including Liya Solutions and FISF.

Panel 2: Global Partnerships

The second panel, Global Partnerships, was moderated by Johnson Mo, Assistant Professor of Practice in Finance at NYU Shanghai, and brought together industry leaders from diverse sectors to explore the importance of building and sustaining successful international business partnerships.

Johnson Mo introduces the Global Partnerships panel.

The panel featured Murray King from Shanghai Disney Resort, Dominic Desmarais from Liya Solutions, Haijing Wang from Manulife-Sinochem Life Insurance, Jacob Cooke from WPIC Marketing + Technologies, Victor Hsi from CHP Engine Corporation, and Vivian Desmonts from Gowling WLG.

The Global Partnerships panel in session, and speakers on stage for a group photo.

Drawing on their experiences across entertainment, manufacturing, insurance, e-commerce, energy, and legal services, panelists shared insights into the key elements of successful partnerships, emphasizing the importance of careful partner selection, mutual trust, complementary strengths, and long-term strategic alignment.

The discussion also explored how businesses can navigate evolving market conditions, manage risks, and maintain strong relationships amid economic and geopolitical uncertainty. Panelists highlighted the value of effective communication, sound governance, and adaptability in developing resilient cross-border partnerships.

An engaging Q&A session followed, providing attendees with an opportunity to exchange perspectives with the panelists on international business cooperation, emerging market opportunities, and the future of global partnerships.

Audience members join the conversation during the Q&A.

The Annual Trade & Logistics Forum concluded with valuable insights, meaningful exchanges, and new opportunities for collaboration, reaffirming CanCham Shanghai’s commitment to fostering dialogue and strengthening connections across the international business community.

But the day was far from over. The conversations and connections of the afternoon gave way to an evening of celebration as CanCham Shanghai welcomed guests to the 2026 Business Impact Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding achievements, innovation, and business excellence across the region.

Stay tuned as we look back on an evening dedicated to celebrating the businesses and individuals making a lasting impact.

Up next that evening: the 2026 Business Impact Awards Ceremony.

With Thanks to Our Sponsors and Partners

CanCham Shanghai would like to express its gratitude to the organizations whose support made the Annual Trade & Logistics Forum possible.

Premium Insights Partners: Port of Montreal and Prince Rupert Port Authority.

Forum Sponsor: CPKC.

Logistics Partner: Asian Tigers.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai extends its sincere appreciation to all speakers, moderators, panelists, partners, and attendees for contributing to the success of the forum.

Their continued support plays an important role in fostering dialogue, strengthening business connections, and supporting Canada-China trade and cooperation.