Message from the Executive Director
Dear Members and Friends,
The 2024 Annual Report outlines the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai’s activities, initiatives, and efforts over the past year. As we reflect on this period, it is evident that 2024 was a transitional year for many in our community.
Businesses and individuals alike faced the challenges of adjusting to new market forces, shifting geopolitical realities, and an overarching sense of uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, CanCham has had a strong year in serving our community. Through both business and community-focused initiatives, we have reinforced our role as a pillar of support and engagement. Notable examples include the return of Canada Day to downtown Shanghai, along the Bund, placing Brand Canada at the heart of the city and offering a vibrant cultural exchange with our Chinese counterparts and friends.
The 17th Annual Maple Leaf Ball reminded us that only under intense heat and pressure do we become our most perfect form with the theme Diamonds Are Forever. The Christmas Gala provided an opportunity for the community to celebrate our year’s successes by way of Red & White Delight.
It was also a year of firsts. The inaugural China Business Impact Awards highlighted the best of business in our community, demonstrating the positive influential role that businesses play in society beyond profits and portfolio management. By recognizing and celebrating excellence within our network, we make further impacts at ever higher levels.
It was also a time for renewal. An opportunity to re-engineer the value proposition we offer to our members. It is no longer enough to simply maintain past practices; we must ask ourselves how the Chamber can better enhance the operations of our members going forward. Our team is committed to provide value tailored to the unique needs of our business community.
A key part of this renewal has been listening to our Academic Members and responding with the introduction of a Student & Alumni Membership. This initiative, along with the new Community Membership, is designed to connect our members with emerging networks of professionals who were educated in Canada and now call Shanghai home. This reinvigorated engagement strengthens both the Chamber and our member organizations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of fostering valuable connections.
Our partnerships with the Canadian Consulate in Shanghai, as well as with the representative offices of Alberta, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, have furthered Canadian interests across China in ways that extend beyond a simple return on investment. A prime example of this was Canada’s presence at the China International Import Expo, where we orchestrated a return to the exhibition hall with a national pavilion for the first time since 2019. This achievement underscores a fundamental truth: when we work together, the tide rises for all boats.
would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our Board of Directors for their steadfast support, their wisdom, and the time and effort they invest in building something greater than just their own businesses. We are strong because of them. To our Members and the wider community, thank you for your input, participation, and trust. You are the reason we do this.
As we move forward, we remain committed to evaluating and refining the Chamber’s operations to ensure that our mission of supporting Canadian business in China is executed efficiently, competently, and successfully. Together, we will continue to strengthen and grow our community in the years to come.
Sincerely,
Matt Whately
Executive Director
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai
Executive Team
As the executive arm of the Chamber, CanCham Shanghai’s team takes care of the daily operations of the Chamber. If you require any assistance regarding our events, promotional platforms or services, you may contact any one of our team members.
