The Reset in Canada-China Relations with Bijan Ahmadi

In this special episode of The Negotiation, WPIC CEO Jacob Cooke steps in as host to interview Bijan Ahmadi, Executive Director & COO at the Canada China Business Council—one of the leading organizations supporting Canadian businesses in China and strengthening bilateral commercial ties.

This episode offers a unique perspective: Jacob was in Beijing during Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China—the first by a Canadian leader in years—giving him firsthand insight into the trip's significance. Together, Jacob and Bijan unpack what the visit means for Canadian business and Canada-China relations, with Bijan's deep expertise in trade policy, market access, and bilateral economic engagement complementing Jacob's on-the-ground observations.

This conversation comes at a critical moment: as the U.S. administration raises questions about Canada's engagement with China, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on the facts—what was actually agreed, what it means for jobs and GDP, and why China remains a vital market for Canadian exporters and businesses.

Discussion Points

·       The historical context and significance of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China

·       Whether the visit achieved a meaningful reset in Canada-China relations

·       Specific outcomes and agreements from the trip—sector-by-sector wins for the Canadian economy

·       CCBC's role during the visit and how members have reacted

·       How Canadian businesses are reassessing their perceptions of China post-visit

·       Next challenges CCBC will work to solve for Canadian business

·       Clarifying misconceptions around a potential "deal" with China and U.S. political concerns

·       The strategic importance of China to Canada's economy—jobs, GDP, and export opportunities