“This is a natural extension of our successful collaboration over the past 2 years on the Canada China Environmental Forum,” says Kearns.

Kearns will manage key accounts and develop business, including the promising Chinese market for environmental services.

Summerhill engages partners such as national retailers, utilities and power companies, innovative technology providers and government agencies to design and deliver programs that drive positive environmental impact, consumer behaviour change and economic benefit.

You might be familiar with Summerhill’s work through their specific programmes:

• Car Heaven, which took almost 90,000 old clunkers off the road and saving 50,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (and predating the American current Cash for Clunkers programme by 9 years).

• Switch Out, the first programme in Canada to recover highly toxic mercury from automobile switches – recycling 300 kgs of mercury (one gram of mercury pollutes a 20 acre lake so that the fish rae inedible for 1 year).

• Keep Cool, which used a combination of education, incentives and collection programmes to retire and recycle almost 50,000 inefficient Room Air Conditioners (RACs) – saving 30 MW of energy (enough to power 30,000 average homes in a year) and saving 15,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

TLI-The Mandarin School will continue to deliver corporate language and intercultural business training programmes.

Wine and beer consumption in Asia especially in China has been drastically increasing.

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council invites you to attend a free informational Web seminar about the China wine and beer market and learn how to tap into the China market using Hong Kong as a gateway.

Speakers will include:

Market overview, Ms. Christine Kwok, Actrium Solutions
Best practices for exporting, Mr. Daniel Giavina, U.S. Commercial Service
Available marketing opportunities, Ms. Josephine Lam, Manager, Hong Kong Trade Development Council

Topic: HKTDC Wine Presentation
Host: Hong Kong Trade Development Council
Date and Time:
May 21, 2009 3:30 pm, Pacific Daylight Time (San Francisco, GMT-07:00)
May 21, 2009 4:30 pm, Mountain Daylight Time (Denver, GMT-06:00)
May 21, 2009 6:30 pm, Eastern Daylight Time (New York, GMT-04:00)
May 22, 2009 6:30 am, China Time (Beijing, GMT+08:00)

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To register for the online event
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1. Go to https://hktdcla.webex.com/hktdcla/onstage/g.php?d=666930890&t=a&EA=julia.h.son%40hktdc.org&ET=f81a970662f599541d0727a1a1d9444e&ETR=9c2fbb44ce54352169803c87b0b2c329&RT=MiM0&p
2. Click “Register”.
3. Complete the registration form, and then click “Submit“.

Once the host approves your registration, you will receive a confirmation email message with instructions on how to join the event.

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For assistance
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You can contact Teresa Hung at: Teresa.m.hung@hktdc.org  

http://www.webex.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE: This WebEx service includes a feature that allows audio and any documents and other materials exchanged or viewed during the session to be recorded. By joining this session, you automatically consent to such recordings. If you do not consent to the recording, do not join the session.

Participating companies will have the opportunity to exhibit in the Canadian Pavilion at the International ICT Expo: http://ictexpo.com at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and/or join the mission programme specially arranged for the this Canadian mission. The Canadian Trade Commissioner Services and the HKTDC Business Matching Services will be available to help add value to the delegates’ participation in the mission.

For further information, registration details and incentive packages, interested parties please contact Adrian Cheng or Jill Chien of HKTDC Toronto Office at Tel: (416) 366-3594 or email: adrian.ch.cheng@tdc.org.hk or jill.chien@tdc.org.hk

“Canada will lose out in the global quest for talent in the knowledge-based economy unless it updates some of its ideas and policies on immigration.“  This is the first line of a bulletin by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada, which speaks to two recently published studies about Canada and retaining international talent.  The first, “A Limited Engagement: Mainland Returnees from Canada,” delves into how international student exchanges and overseas education by people from mainland China contribute to the exchanges between Canada and China.  Three main questions were asked.  First, how do the returning students feel about Canada and how they feel about their Canadian educational and work experience?  Second, to what degree do returning students maintain contact with Canada and why?  Is there a pattern that explains this behavior?  Third, what importance is the Canadian experience to the returnee’s life?  

The second study, “Transnational Entrepreneurs as Agents of International Innovation Linkages,” focuses on brain drain or brain loss, the concept in which countries lose their smartest and best educated citizens to other countries which can offer better economic and political lifestyles.  Specifically researched were those innovation linkages of migrating internationally educated mainland Chinese professionals who do business in both Canada and China, but maintain Canada as their base. 

Both studies outline that there are tremendous advantages to engaging foreign talent. However, they also highlight that to benefit Canada as well as their home country, Canada as a whole should be doing more to retain connections with foreign students and entrepreneurs.  Suggestions range from creating a Canada-based innovation and entrepreneurship program to empowering Canadian consulates to better engage the returnees.

Photo by  noticelj

Would you be interested to meet and network with major government trade officials and business contacts from the U.S. State of Maine, share their insights on the Asia-Canada-US trade corridor, find out what the business opportunities that they are offering to Canadian companies in such sectors as clean tech, biotech and medical products, natural resources products as well as transportation and infrastructure?

Our HKCBA Toronto Section incoming President, Bob Armstrong, in his capacity as the President of Supply Chain Logistics Canada, will join Governor John Baldacci of Maine and the Maine delegation to stage an Executive Briefing and Reception in downtown Toronto on November 20, 2008 at 4 p.m.

Below is the invitation from Governor Baldacci to you. Please reserve your seat early and leverage on this opportunity to expand your global business.

State of Maine Trade Mission

Executive Briefing on Trade, Transportation and Innovation

State of Maine Trade Mission

Executive Briefing on Trade, Transportation and Innovation

November 20, 2008, 4:00 to 5:15 pm

Intercontinental Hotel, 225 Front Street West

Toronto, Ontario

I. Welcome Comments by Governor John Baldacci

II. Trade Overview – Janine B. Cary, State Director of International Trade

a. Overview of US/Canadian, ON/New England, and ON/Maine Trade

b. Trade corridor Asia/Canada/US

II. Innovation and R&D in the State of Maine – Commissioner John Richardson

• a. Clean Tech Innovation – including Ocean and wind energy
• b. Maine Technology Institute – funding for innovative clusters
• c. Biotech and Medical Products
• d. Innovation and Natural Resource products – forest/wood products industry, seafood/aquaculture

III. Transportation and infrastructure- Maine and the Northeast

Comments by Bob Armstrong, Supply Chain Logistics- Canada  Presentation by: Janine B. Cary, State Director of International Trade

• a. Ocean, Air and overland structures in Maine
• b. Trends in transportation in New England
• c. Maine/Canadian connections

IV. Maine Industry and Infrastructure Video

End of Briefing

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Clear skies at the Beijing airport lets you see how impossibly far the airport structure curves off into the distance

Carla Kearns has been posting a series of observations made during her visit to both Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Forum. She continued her journey on to Beijing.

After arriving in Beijing on Saturday, I joined up with the Canada China Business Council (CCBC)’s high profile delegation to China on Monday at the gala launch.

Before I report on the events of that day, several minor items impressed me upon arrival at Beijing’s newly opened airport.  First, I was shocked by the clarity of the air.  I knew there were mountains surrounding Beijing, but I had never actually seen them.  Second, I was astounded by the vast scale of the airport; which was so immense that it was like gazing at an optical illusion.  In Hong Kong, one of the speakers noted that the world’s greatest cities achieved premier status, not because of their economic or political power, but because they are important transportation hubs.  The Chinese government seems to have spared no expense to position itself as one of the greatest modern cities. Later I learned that it is in fact the world’s largest roofed structure.

Back to business. After an adventurous Sunday at the Simatai section of the Great Wall (and an equally adventurous time finding a cabbie to take us there), I arrived at the Kerry Hotel first thing Monday morning to join the CCBC events of that day.  This day marked the gathering of some of the highest profile Canadian delegates to China in years, including: four provincial Premier delegations, an official delegation from Quebec, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters mission and many of Canada’s top industry leaders. All had convened in Beijing for this important trip.

In stark contrast to Hong Kong, the urgent concern for those in attendance was NOT the global economic crisis.  Although China will be affected along with the rest of the globe, the impact on GDP is expected to result in 8% growth, rather than the recent 10% it has seen for more than a decade.  Not too shabby.

Beijing's modern architecture – the slightly unnerving CCTV tower

The issue that trumped the economy by far: the state of Canada’s deteriorating relationship with China.  For the impressive cross-section of Canada’s business and government elite in attendance, the message was simple: “We are committed to positive engagement with China.  We want a better relationship.”

The challenge is that it doesn’t matter how many senior business leaders and government officials from across Canada visit China. These well-intentioned efforts are unfortunately negated by Stephen Harper’s policy on China.  I personally find it perplexing that with such an enormous population of Chinese in Canada and a huge trade volume with China that Harper has never even visited the country.  He snubbed China at the Beijing Olympics –- a perfect opportunity to do some outreach diplomacy –- stating that it was “not a political event,” although 80 other heads of state attended.  His style of communicating with China seems to be designed to cause China to lose face and make himself seem tragically uninformed.  There may be issues with China that he opposes, but his opposition apparently forms the basis for his series of ongoing snubs.  The question we should be asking is this: “Is Harper’s approach of alienating Canada from China effective in creating positive change?”

Beijing's traditional old neighbourhoods, called Hutongs

Actually, China is stimulating massive change itself.  People who don’t understand China have no idea of the rapid pace of significant social improvements that are happening right now.  Some of these are difficult to appreciate as they have caught up to where we in the West have been for decades.  As recently as 3 years ago when I was living in Shanghai, a massive carcinogenic spill in Northern China went unreported for days as the local government tried to cover up the issue. A cover-up such as this just wouldn’t happen these days. This week, the newspapers in China were full of updated reports of the melamine scandal.  The Chinese media is still certainly managed by the state, but I have witnessed an unprecedented level of openness and ownership.

The sad thing is that historically Canada and China have had a strong relationship, and it would not take much to reinstate it.  All Mainland Chinese regard Dr. Norman Bethune as a national hero and are still grateful to Canada for exporting wheat in the 1960s when most other countries were following a US-imposed embargo. Today, the most popular foreigner in China is Dashan, widely famous and beloved performer in China, but completely unknown as Mark Rosewell in his home country, Canada (Dashan is his Chinese stage name).  To our benefit, Canada does not carry the taint of British, Japanese or French invasions or occupations.  Until recently, Canadian businesses enjoyed a privileged status in China due to our past history.  But today we are hearing more often that Canadian businesses are suffering frustration  due to federal missteps in our bilateral relationships.

Lucky-red themed gala dinner of CCBC

The good news is that Mr. Harper has announced plans to visit China.  This visit should be applauded by the Canadian business community but this act alone will not suffice.  In China, cultural values dictate that it is not only important what you do or say, but how you do or say it.  My hope is that Mr. Harper will prepare to be effective in building bridges.   With China making astounding economic and social progress, Canadians would benefit greatly from stronger ties.  It’s up to Mr. Harper now.

As for me, Beijing it was a great opportunity to interact with our clients (there were no less than 6 in attendance) and add to existing relationships with new ones.  As Canada lessens its economic dependency on the US, the business community is starting to look more closely at China which is great for a business like mine.

This week Carla Kearns is posting a series of observations made during her visit to both Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Forum.

The last 48 hours have been a whirlwind.  We spent Wednesday in the incredible Central district on Hong Kong island, involved in some serious consumer research.  This district is home to both Hong Kong’s vast financial sector and charming historical district, accented by shopping that ranges from Louis Vuitton and Armani to tiny alley stalls selling ornate bird cages.

Some Hong Kong shopping observations

There is an awareness of the importance of recycling and conserving energy.  The major difference from when I enjoyed quite a few trips here in the 1990s is that the air pollution has drastically increased.  It is clear that what Hong Kong experiences is for the most part not generated in Hong Kong but is coming from the manufacturing cities of Guangdong (Canton) province right across the Chinese border.   Here in Hong Kong you see recycling containers at Starbucks and select escalators that are shut down at non-peak hours in the metro system (which itself is cheap, fast and clean).

We saw billboards for Blackberry and sharp retail fronts for a Fruits and Passion store. There was some unusual examples of Canadian branding including Toronto Sports (selling sporting attire), The Keg in Lan Kwai Fong (a pub in Hong Kong’s upscale bar district) and an ad for Canadian buckwheat pillows. The latter seemed to make a connection with Canadian branded products as being clean, healthy and natural – which is an obvious brand attribute of Canadian products in Hong Kong and China.  There are enormous opportunities in the Environmental sector in China — according to the Canada Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese government is about to come down with an enforcement hammer on the high pollution factories of Guangdong province.  Since these manufacturers are an integral part of the engine of Chinese growth, the government is actively seeking international partners to assist with the clean up.  In my role as co-chair of the Canada China Environmental Forum (along with Corey Diamond, President of the Summerhill Group) we have been working for the past 2 years to raise awareness of the immense environmental, social, economic and diplomatic benefits for Canadian environmental companies to become more proactive in collaborating with China in this sector. It seems to be working: this week, Corey is in China with Premier McGuinty on a high profile environmental sector mission.  I’ll be meeting up with them in Beijing this weekend.

Carla Kearns with Frank Montiero and Dorothy Jean Mar

Tuesday night we met up with the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA) family for a special dinner for Canadian delegates.  A word that I would use to describe the HKCBA is “generous”.  Members who have been involved in the organization for years are so generous with strategic and practical advice as well as in facilitating connections.  We had the good fortune to be seated with several Canadians who are currently living in Hong Kong and were very grateful for how, after learning about our businesses and objectives, were quick to lend their assistance.

Wednesday was the first full day of events.  The common concern at the top of everyone’s mind is the global economic turmoil.  At lunch we were addressed by the Honourable John Tsang, the Financial Secretary for Hong Kong.  Among his many accomplishments he is most beloved these days for lifting the oppressive wine tariffs in Hong Kong.  He, like several other commentators, feels that Hong Kong will be impacted by the financial crisis but will weather the storm and emerge even stronger, as it has from other events such as the Asian financial crisis, the shocks of 9/11 and the SARS crisis.

Lunch address

The highlight of my day was listening to Canadian Janet DeSilva (CEO Retail China) and Viveca Chan (CEO WE Marketing) speak about the latest trends in retail distribution in China.  They commented that the emergence of the vast middle class in China will have an even greater impact on the world than China’s rise as a manufacturing giant.  Chinese consumers, in a few short decades, have become increasing sophisticated, and foreign retail brands need to have a deep understanding of how this market is unique in order to be successful.  It is imperative that brands develop a emotional connection with consumers in order to differentiate from the millions of other products on the market there.  On the flip side, brands that emotionally alienate Chinese consumers run the risk of their market share being destroyed. For instance, the French supermarket giant Carrefour was boycotted by millions of Chinese consumers after they perceived that the French insulted their national pride during the Chinese torch relay in the spring (even though Carrefour in China is actually Chinese owned).  One of the significant retail trends that Janet mentioned is the emergence of product related reality and lifestyle TV shows, such as a show produced by Fruits and Passion that shows its viewers how to create a home spa.  This kind of marketing is important because the traditional ad industry channels (TV & radio commercials and print ads) are high regulated and restricted by the government which requires savvy advertisers to be creative in non-traditional channels.

I’m looking forward to the gala dinner tonight.  One of the unexpected benefits to a trip like this is the bonding that can happen when a group of like minded individuals travel together.  After a day of business programming, some of the most important conversations can be over a glass of wine in the evening.

Business opportunities emerge from every financial crisis

The Asian Financial Forum (AFF) 2009 in Hong Kong is being designed to help participants from around the world gain insights into Asia’s changing financial landscape and to identify and seize opportunities. This is the second Asian Financial Forum and is once again co-organized by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). It will take place on January 19 and 20, 2009 in Hong Kong.

AFF 2009 will feature some of the world’s most influential monetary minds and the region’s most dynamic business leaders. They will share their views on the opportunities and challenges arising from the region’s rapid changes and development, and on the management of the world financial framework. The Forum is a two-day event with a special focus on prospects in China and the rest of Asia. Topical issues will include sovereign wealth funds, Islamic finance, new financial products and investment vehicles.

Attending the conference will be key financial players including bankers, institutional investors and fund managers, business leaders as well as senior corporate executives. AFF 2009 is a timely platform to build new contacts, gather intelligence and explore business opportunities. Extensive documentation and webcasts of the 2007 event are available on the forum site as well.

For further information, interested parties please contact Andrew Yui, Director, Canada, Hong Kong Trade Development Council Toronto Office at Tel. No. (416) 366-3594 or email: andrew.yui at tdc.org.hk (remove the “at” and use “@”) or simply visit the forum website.

Photo by Francois Roche.