Item - 2018.ED31.4

The Economic Development Committee received the report (June 22, 2018) from the General Manager, Economic Development and Culture for information.

Councillor Michael Thompson led a mission to Japan and China in May 2018. The Councillor was joined by Councillor Mark Grimes and Mike Williams, General Manager, Economic Development and Culture (EDC), on the mission. The main focus of the mission was to strengthen bilateral relationships with key international markets, sell Toronto’s strengths as Canada’s financial and business capital and a hub for higher education and research, and to encourage investment in multiple sectors including food processing, urban infrastructure and new technology. Japan and China have been identified as priority markets by the World Trade Centre - Toronto.

The cities visited were Tokyo and Sagamihara in Japan and Shanghai (Mike Williams only) and Chengdu in China. The purpose of the mission was to explore opportunities for trade and export development in Japan and China. 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. 

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

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