The Hong Kong Canada Business Association, with membership in every major Canadian city, is the largest bilateral trade association in the country. Our mandate is to "educate, network, and create opportunities between Canada and Hong Kong / China". We hold luncheons, seminars and social functions where members meet and learn from one another. They also attend speeches and discussion groups from entrepreneurs in addition to Canadian, Hong Kong and Chinese government officials. Our annual meetings are held during the fall in Hong Kong.

The trade mission, which is being sponsored by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the Hong Kong Tourist Association, and ourselves is a further effort to "educate, network and create business opportunities" where Small and Medium size Enterprises from across the country will travel to Hong Kong and China to pursue enhanced business activities in China.

China is the largest emerging market in the world, with a population of 1.3 billion people. Whether your interest is finding out more about the opportunities available and the means of doing business in this part of the world, enlarging your current market, or searching for a business partner, this trade mission will be of interest to you. You are aware that China has recently become a member of the World Trade Organization and, as such, barriers to dealing with China will continue to be reduced in a substantive manner. Hong Kong is a catalyst in these endeavours because of its long history with the mainland. It clearly understands both the culture and practices of the "East" and "West".

As noted elsewhere in this circular, the advanced trade matching services presents a unique opportunity to do your "homework" before you even arrive in Hong Kong. This will allow you to immediately meet with people in whom a mutual interest has already been established. In addition, the Federation of Hong Kong Business Associations Worldwide will also hold its annual meeting in Hong Kong at the same time. The Federation is made up of approximately 8,000 companies and individuals located in 22 countries around the world. This again allows you to broaden your opportunities for "education, networking and creating business opportunities".

We hope to see you on November 8.