Presentation and Networking

“The Global Economy and How Asia is Faring - Implications for Canadian Exporters”

     André Downs, Chief Economist, Global Affairs Canada
Kathy Chan, Director, HKETO, Toronto
Marvin Hough, President, HKCBA, Ottawa

Presented by the Hong Kong Canada Business Association (HKCBA) in partnership with Borden Ladner Gervais (BLG), the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO) and HSBC Bank Canada

“The Global Economy and How Asia is Faring - Implications for Canadian Exporters”

The global economy is increasingly difficult to read while we experience a sustained slowdown in world trade. Some emerging markets are facing serious challenges resulting in big implications for Canada and Canadian exporters. How is Canada adapting and how are we doing in terms of increasing our “non-resource” based exports?  

 This is the “Asian Century “and it is imperative for Canadian companies to secure footholds in mega markets such as China. But how have the Asian markets been faring and how has the structure of Canadian exports to the region been changing?  What is the outlook for the Chinese economy as it continues to evolve in an uncertain global environment? How has Hong Kong been impacted and why is it still an important platform?   

 Join us to hear about the challenges and evolving opportunities for Canadian companies in Asia as we welcome Dr. Andre Downs, Chief Economist to paint the current picture of the global economy and the short and longer term implications for Canadian trade policy and performance.

You will also learn how Hong Kong can be a value added platform as you plan and execute your Asia strategy.

Program

5:00 – Networking                                                  

5:45 - Welcome and Introduction – BLG and HKCBA Ottawa

5:50 - The Global Economy and How Asia is Faring -

    Implications for Canadian Exporters

6:25 – The Hong Kong Economy and its importance

6:30 - Question and Answer Period

6:45 -The Hong Kong Advantage and HKCBA’s Services

7:00 - Networking

7:30 - Adjournment

Dr. André Downs
Chief Economist
Global Affairs Canada

Dr. André Downs is the Chief Economist at Global Affairs Canada. He previously served as Director General of Economic Analysis at the Policy Research Institute (PRI), with responsibility for the research projects under the North American Linkages umbrella. Before joining the PRI in December 2001, he held the position of Deputy Commissioner of Competition responsible for the Competition Policy Branch. During his 26 years with the Government of Canada, Dr. Downs also acted as analyst, economist and manager in both the Department of Finance and the Privy Council Office. Previously, André had taught at a major Canadian business school and worked in two financial institutions. Dr. Downs holds a PhD in economics (International Trade) from the London School of Economics.

Kathy Chan
Director, HKETO Toronto

Miss Kathy Chan joined the Hong Kong Special Administration Government in 1999 as a member of the Administrative Officer Grade.
Before taking up the Director post in the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Toronto in November 2015, she had worked in different offices, including the Home Affairs Bureau, the Home Affairs Department, the then Economic Development and Labour Bureau, the Shanghai Office and the Education Bureau.   
Before coming to Toronto, Miss Chan served as the Principal Assistant Secretary for the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, responsible for policy matters on support for small and medium enterprises, postal services, and trade relations of Hong Kong with the Mainland and Taiwan.  
Miss Chan received her Bachelor Degree in Business Administration from the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

Marvin Hough
President, HKCBA Ottawa  

Marvin Hough is President of the HKCBA, Ottawa Chapter and is a member of the Board of the HKCBA National Committee. He is a regular visitor to Hong Kong and is passionate about facilitating closer business ties between Canada and Hong Kong and promoting the concept of “ Think Asia – Think Hong Kong “.

 Mr. Hough draws on 30 years of experience with Export Development Canada (EDC), Canada’s official export credit agency. He retired from EDC in 2008 as Regional Vice-President, Asia and joined the Telfer School of Management shortly thereafter. Mr. Hough’s tenure with EDC included positions in both EDC financing and insurance operations. On the Asian front, he managed EDC’s financing operations in both the South Asia and Pacific North Asia regions. He was instrumental as well in assisting EDC to establish its first representation in China and his experience also includes a four-year interchange assignment with the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade where he served as a Senior Trade Commissioner in New Delhi, India.

Mr. Hough is currently an Executive – in – Residence at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. At Telfer, Mr. Hough is actively involved in the international business area and teaches courses in the Undergraduate and EMBA programs, and is a key participant in the annual EMBA international business consulting trip. He has also recently launched an executive training program related to anti-corruption best practices in emerging markets.

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