Vancouver, BC – September 16, 2024: The 2024 Canada-Mexico Business Week concluded with resounding success, marking a pivotal week of dialogue, collaboration, and partnership between the two nations. Hosted by CMX Partnerships, this week-long event brought together business leaders, government officials, and industry experts from both Canada and Mexico, focused on deepening bilateral trade relations and unlocking new investment opportunities.
Highlights of the Week –
Site Visits to North Vancouver and Surrey: A key component of the week was the site visits to leading Canadian companies in important BC Regions: North Vancouver and Surrey. The Mexican delegation had the opportunity to tour leading companies, gaining firsthand insights into Canadian innovation and production processes. These visits highlighted the areas where Mexico and Canada can collaborate in manufacturing, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology.
Workshop on Doing Business in Canada: As part of the week’s workshops, senior officials from Foresight Canada and the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) delivered a highly informative session on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Canada. Both authorities provided practical knowledge on how their organizations can support international delegates by connecting them to global business opportunities and offering key market insights.
Mexican Delegation Presentations: The Mexican delegation that traveled to Canada played a central role throughout the week, presenting their companies and business opportunities to Canadian businesses. Their presentations emphasized the opportunities for cross-border collaboration and investment, giving Canadian companies a glimpse into the potential for partnerships in various sectors.
The Dialogue : The Canada-Mexico Business Dialogue was the flagship event of the week. With keynotes, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the event explored the growing trade opportunities between the two nations. Deputy Mayor Sarah Kirby-Yung opened the dialogue with her insightful remarks, followed by a welcome from Juan Navarro, President of CMX Partnerships. The session set the tone for a week full of high-impact discussions.
The Consul General of Mexico in Vancouver, Olga Beatriz García Guillén, shared her thoughts on the strengthening partnership, followed by Hon. Jagrup Brar, BC’s Minister of State for Trade, who also engaged the audience with his thoughtful responses to their questions on the Canadian trade landscape. Aaron Fowler, Associate Assistant Deputy Minister at Global Affairs Canada, closed the event with valuable insights on global trade practices and how Mexico can become an even stronger partner in Canada’s trade network.
Panel Discussions: Business Week also featured two dynamic panels:
1. Maximizing Opportunities through Canadian-Mexican Business Collaboration, moderated by Jane Talbot (President & CEO, Downtown Van), and featuring Michele Vicenti, Anita Huberman, and Allison Boulton. This panel explored how Canadian and Mexican businesses can align their strategies for mutual success.
2. Enhancing Canada-Mexico Business Opportunities, moderated by Salvador Trevino (UCW Faculty), with panelists Marcela Cota Rivas (Vitalus Nutrition) and Andres Abogado (Abolaw). This session delved into specific opportunities for collaboration in agriculture, legal services, and nutrition.
Jeanette Jackson, CEO of Foresight Canada, was a featured speaker at the event, bringing tremendous energy and offering key insights into cleantech and innovation.
Closing Remarks : The week concluded with a heartfelt message from CMX Partnerships, expressing gratitude to all the delegates, speakers, and attendees who contributed to the event’s success. Juan Navarro, President of CMX Partnerships, reflected on the accomplishments of the week and the importance of continued collaboration between Canadian and Mexican businesses. As both countries continue to grow their trade relations, this event served as a vital stepping stone in forging stronger partnerships and unlocking new opportunities in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
