TEAM MISSISSAUGA - BUSINESS MISSION TO CHINA 2007
April 1 to 12, 2007

The emerging economies of China and India have changed the international economic landscape considerably. While much has been written about the global economy, these two countries present us with great opportunities we could not have imagined even a dozen years ago.

As noted by Thomas Freidman in his acclaimed book on globalization, "The World is Flat", this new global playing field requires multiple forms of collaboration. He maintains that the convergence of technology and events have allowed China and India to become part of the global supply chain for services. Hence, the world is flat and open access is available 24/7 to every business through today's innovative technology.

With this in mind, it's imperative for businesses to investigate new business opportunities with China in a pro-active manner. Two of the City's key business organizations have developed the "Team Mississauga - Business Mission to China," from April 1 to 12, 2007. This mission is a partnership of the Mississauga Board of Chinese Professionals and Businesses and the Mississauga Board of Trade with the support of the City of Mississauga's Economic Development Office.

With her valuable experience of having visited China in the past, Mayor Hazel McCallion will lead the mission and open doors for business. Team Mississauga will visit five key business centres in China, specifically Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an, Nanjing and Hong Kong.

The Team Mississauga mission is a comprehensive, well-planned business mission focussed on introducing companies to the vast market and business opportunities in China. This mission will provide Mississauga companies with important trade and industry information direct from key business contacts in China.

Of great significance will be the one-on-one meetings with senior business, government and academic officials. This will give participants the opportunity to build "guang xi" or direct relationships, leading to potential partnerships, joint ventures, trade or investment deals. The Team Mississauga Mission to China will also strengthen existing ties of Mississauga companies with business relationships in China. This trade mission will expand and reinforce existing opportunities.

In Xi'an, a city of 3.8 million people in Shaanxi province, Team Mississauga members will attend the Xi'an International Business Exhibition. Also in Xi'an, officials from Shaanxi Province will host the delegation to build upon the previously established business relationships that resulted from a Chinese delegation's visit to Mississauga last August.

This trade mission is initiated by business, for business. This is the fourth Team Mississauga Mission to China developed entirely by the initiative of Mr. Andre Mak, President of Mississauga-based Makvision Inc. Encompassing five cities in nine days, the delegation will gain vital, on-the-ground business experience in Canada-China trade matters.

An important aspect of this mission will be to position Mississauga as an ideal location for investment from China. This business development initiative will result in the pro-active marketing of Mississauga. As a country and especially as a city, we have much to offer including a well-educated, productive workforce with innovative know-how, a multi-cultural population and an outstanding quality of life.