Member Services

Since 1978, CCBC has been the pre-eminent bridge for doing business between Canada and China. Whether you are a large “icon” company, or an up and coming SME, membership in the Canada China Business Council is one of the best ways to ensure competitiveness in China. No other organization has CCBC’s hands-on, “feet-in-the-street” experience in China, or its connections with China’s most senior government and business leaders. Through its member services and events, CCBC provide over 200 member companies with business insight, intelligence, connections, and networks that help resolve the inevitable challenges of doing business in another country.

CCBC members include some of the largest and best-known Canadian and Chinese firms, as well as small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, and not-for-profit organizations. CCBC also offers a ‘China Watcher’ program for individuals interested in staying up-to-date on Canada-China business relations.

CCBC members represent a wide range of sectors, including financial services, legal services, manufacturing, construction, transportation, mining, energy, information and communications technology, and education.

In addition to its head office in Toronto, CCBC also has offices and staff in Vancouver, Montreal, Beijing and Shanghai. CCBC’s network of staff enables it to gather market information and to connect its members to opportunities in China’s emerging regions. CCBC’s chapter in Beijing also acts as a chamber of commerce and offers a range of events and broad networking opportunities at the local level.

Business Advisory Services

From your first serious contemplation of the opportunities in China to support in the daily operations of an established and successful China enterprise, CCBC will be your trusted business advisor, providing:

  • Assistance in crafting a winning China strategy
  • Private and public sector contacts in China and Canada
  • Meetings with other members who share their business insight and experience
  • Regular insider briefings for Canadian and Chinese executives
  • Market, sector, and competitor analysis
  • Analysis of rule and policy changes that affect you and, if necessary, help in responding to them

Business Operation and Administrative Support

CCBC membership is your pass to critical operational and administrative services in China. CCBC staff in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Beijing and Shanghai can help you actually construct your China operations. We offer your business:

Incubation Services

  • Virtual or physical office rental space
  • Dedicated staff
  • Office equipment
  • Advice and support

China Rep Office

  • We help register your rep office in China and stay on top of renewal

Sourcing/Partner Support

  • Find, evaluate and meet key sources and business partners with help from CCBC staff in China and Canada

Business Intelligence

CCBC’s constantly evolving, member-only library of China business intelligence offers your organization a distinct competitive advantage. As a member, you will be privy to:

  • The latest business insights and information available from China
  • Business backgrounders, white papers, position and policy discussions, issues analysis, and practical ‘how-to’ guides

Missions, Meetings, Seminars & Events

CCBC membership is your entry to an exclusive business network. Our meetings and events bring the best and most effective companies in China and Canada together, allowing you to engage Canadian and Chinese officials, fellow executives, and private-sector specialists.

CCBC members access:

  • Missions for private sector groups and federal, provincial and municipal governments in Canada and China
  • CCBC’s Annual General Meeting and Policy Conference – the pre-eminent annual business conference on China-Canada trade and investment
  • Meetings in Canada with high-level incoming Chinese delegations
  • Year-round networking events, issue-specific roundtable discussions, workshops, seminars, and briefing sessions coordinated by each of CCBC’s offices

Trade and Investment Advocacy

CCBC is the voice for, and the voice of, Canada-China trade and investment. Through trade and investment advocacy we:

  • Create position papers on trade policy, regulation and other trade and investment-related issues of interest to members
  • Arrange face-to-face discussions with Canadian and Chinese regulators in support of greater trade and investment
  • Deliver proactive public and media relations that help shape the discourse on trade issues
  • Conduct high-level advocacy in China

Examples of CCBC advocacy include:

  • Testimony to the Standing Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade
  • Submission to the Competition Policy Review Panel and subsequent meeting with the Panelists
  • Creation of a broad-based coalition of the main business associations in Canada, to encourage the government to act on the Panel’s report
  • Participation in a DFAIT e-discussion on global trade issues
  • Ongoing public affairs and communication programs with key business and political media
  • An active public speaking program that carries CCBC’s message to groups ranging from local Boards of Trade to international conferences
  • Regular media coverage of CCBC activities and positions on trade and investment issues

Business Incubation Platform

CCBC member firms have automatic access to the Council’s Business Incubator Platform. This platform offers a continuum of services through our China offices, from tasks as simple as utilizing our Mandarin-speaking staff, to assistance with hiring and provisioning office space.

The Business Incubation Platform is a useful service for Canadian firms that are just starting their China operations or looking to change their engagement with China. CCBC’s infrastructure in Beijing and Shanghai allows members to operate in China without making an immediate commitment to long-term China resources. In Shanghai, members can access the Business Incubator Center – a functional office environment to satisfy the business needs of companies entering the Chinese market. In Beijing, we offer physical and virtual office space co-located with our staff offices.

The Business Incubation Platform gives members an affordable, low-risk way of building a presence in China, prior to committing to a firm company structure there. Whether you are exploring market entry, building a business, or simply looking for a supportive environment for your employee, CCBC can make it easier for you.

Benefits of using the Business Incubation Platform include:

  • Immediate access to the Chinese market
  • Minimized investment risk through low entry (and exit) costs
  • Networking and knowledge-sharing with other companies in the incubator center
  • Business support services for gradual entry into the local market

Business Incubation Center

The Business Incubation Center is a unique and convenient market entry platform for small and medium sized companies who want to establish and expand their business in China.

Where Is It?

Conveniently located at the Shanghai Mart in Hongqiao District, the Business Incubation Center is about a 5 minute walk from Shanghai Metro Line 10, Yili Road Station. Companies will get exposure to other foreign customers and vendors as the Shanghai Mart is host to numerous trade shows throughout the year. CCBC’s Shanghai office is adjacent.

How Does It Work?

The incubator centre provides a functional office environment that is capable of satisfying the business needs of new companies entering the Chinese market. Our facility provides an office space with ready-to-use work stations that have internet and telephone connections, as well as access to a fax, printer, copy machine, and scanner. A meeting room for up to 12 people is available, and we provide bilingual staff to get you started.

A Convenient One Stop Solution

CCBC offers a convenient one stop solution for every stage of your company’s entry into China. Whether for business incubation, market entry, expansion and growth, we can arrange for professional company registration, accounting, tax consulting and HR support services to foreign companies operating in China.

Packages

Desk and facility space only (no staff) are available, starting from 5,000 rmb per month with a one-year minimum commitment. Desk and facility space with one supervised clerical staff are available, starting from 12,000 rmb per month with a minimum one-year commitment. Other arrangements may be negotiated.

For more information about this program, please contact Tony Gostling, Director, Membership & Outreach.