Canadian companies look toward China amid stabilizing ties
Zheng Xiaoling, president of the Canada International Trade Promotion Society, said "the current period is a good time for Canadian companies to enter or expand in the Chinese market."
On the one hand, China continues to offer a massive consumer market and strong momentum for industrial upgrading, she said, pointing to demand in sectors such as green economy, health industries, high-end food and advanced manufacturing.
"On the other hand, Canadian companies have natural advantages in areas such as resources, food safety, clean energy and life sciences, which are highly complementary with the Chinese market," she told China Daily.
Zheng said the improvement in bilateral ties reflects not only a warming of relations but also "a return to rationality and the rebuilding of consensus for cooperation."
"For companies that are well-prepared and strategically focused, the situation is shifting from a 'wait-and-see phase' to a 'positioning phase'," she said.
Zheng said Canadian business sentiment toward China is evolving.
"Recently, we have clearly seen an increase in inquiries, a recovery in on-site visits and matchmaking activities, and companies with an existing presence are increasing their investment," she said.
In sectors such as agricultural products, health products and high value-added consumer goods, "some companies have already begun actively seeking partners and distribution channels," she said.
Zheng also pointed to positive signals following Carney's visit to China.
"The visit sent a very important signal — communication channels are being restored and the willingness for cooperation is increasing," she said.
According to Zheng, exchanges between officials and business groups have become more frequent, while "companies' expectations of the policy environment are becoming more stable."
"Although we may not see explosive growth in the short term, the restoration of confidence itself is the most critical first step," she said.
Political dynamics continue to play a significant role, she said.
"Companies place great importance on policy stability, predictability and the sustainability of bilateral relations when making cross-border investment decisions," she said.
Looking ahead, Zheng said she is "cautiously optimistic" about the trajectory of bilateral economic ties.
"Under the broader context of global supply chain restructuring, the complementarity between China and Canada will not change, which remains the most solid foundation for cooperation.
"If both sides continue to send positive signals, I believe bilateral economic and trade relations will gradually return to a more rational, pragmatic and sustainable development track," she said.

























