Item - 2020.EC12.6

The Economic and Community Development Committee:

1.  Received the report (February 21, 2020) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture, for information.

Between November 6 and 17, 2019, Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong led a mission to China. He was joined by Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson and Councillor Cynthia Lai and supported by staff from the Economic Development and Culture Division (EDC). Two companies also participated on the mission and four companies exhibited at the 2019 China Hi-Tech Fair in Shenzhen (see Attachment 1 for a list of participating companies). The main focus of the mission was to strengthen bilateral relationships with key international markets, to promote Toronto's strengths as Canada's financial and economic capital and a hub for academia and research, and to encourage investment in multiple sectors including food processing and technology.

The delegation visited the cities of Changsha, Zhuzhou, Chengdu, and Shenzhen. Meetings included: building relationships with local organizations, Global Affairs Canada, Trade Commissioners Services, local government officials, and various channel partners who can assist in expanding trade opportunities for Toronto-based companies. The visit also included participating in the China Hi-Tech Fair, the largest technology fair in China.

This mission was aligned with and supports City Council's objective to enhance Toronto's international engagements and economic trade activity in priority markets, as stated in the International Trade Funding Report, adopted in February 2017.

This report provides a high-level summary of the mission to China, with highlights of the key activities that occurred during the mission and planned follow-up from the mission.