TORONTO, May 23, 2026 – The Toronto promotion event for the 9th China International Import Expo was held in Markham on May 22. The event introduced Canadian businesses, business associations and local organizations to the 2026 CIIE participation arrangements, exhibition sections and business matching opportunities. For Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises, Chinese Canadian business communities, and companies in food, agriculture, consumer goods and trade in services that are interested in entering the Chinese market, registration, industry fit and follow-up cooperation channels are key details that need to be understood and confirmed in advance.
Several Chinese and Canadian political and business representatives attended and spoke at the event, including Chinese Consul General in Toronto Luo Weidong, Bank of China (Canada) President Deng Jun, Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Member of Parliament Rechie Valdez, Toronto City Councillor Nick Mantas, China International Import Expo Bureau Deputy Director Wu Zhengping, and Canada China Business Council Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer Bijan Ahmadi.
The event program included guest remarks, a special CIIE presentation and a roundtable discussion. The discussion focused on how Canadian companies can participate in the CIIE, how they can use the exhibition platform to expand into the Chinese market, and the practical needs of small and medium-sized enterprises in resource matching, market entry and follow-up cooperation. Representatives from business associations and companies also took part in the exchange.
The China International Import Expo is a national-level exhibition focused on imports. It is also an important platform for overseas companies to understand the Chinese market, showcase products and services, and connect with potential partners. According to official CIIE information, the 9th China International Import Expo will be held from November 5 to 10, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center in Shanghai. The business exhibition will include sections for food and agricultural products, consumer goods, technical equipment, automobiles and smart mobility, medical equipment and health care products, trade in services, as well as an innovation incubation zone.
For Canadian companies, food and agricultural products, consumer goods, technical equipment and trade in services remain areas of strong interest. Canada has certain advantages in agricultural products, health foods, consumer brands, professional services and technology applications, while China’s large market size and diverse consumer segments may provide potential opportunities for some businesses.
However, for many small and medium-sized enterprises, the real challenge is not simply whether they want to participate in the exhibition, but whether they can accurately understand the registration process, exhibition categories, product standards, market requirements and follow-up business arrangements. Some companies have mainly served the Canadian domestic market in the past and may not be familiar with Chinese market rules. They may also lack Chinese-language business materials, product certifications, logistics arrangements, translation support or cross-border communication experience.
Attending a promotion event does not automatically guarantee exhibition eligibility or partnership opportunities. Companies still need to further verify registration requirements, exhibition arrangements, cost structures, exhibit transportation, certification documents and follow-up matching procedures based on their own industry, product category and market goals. If businesses assess opportunities only based on event information without confirming details in advance, they may later face communication delays, higher costs or mismatched partnership expectations.
For SMEs participating in a large international exhibition for the first time, early preparation often goes beyond registration itself. Companies need to determine which exhibition section best fits their products or services, prepare Chinese and English introduction materials, confirm whether their products involve certification, inspection, labelling, logistics or import compliance requirements, and assess whether they have the capacity for on-site negotiations and follow-up. Businesses unfamiliar with Chinese and English business documentation processes may also consider seeking assistance from chambers of commerce, industry organizations or related professional service providers to reduce communication barriers.
The Toronto promotion event provided Canadian businesses with a window to better understand the CIIE and opportunities in the Chinese market. For companies interested in exhibiting or pursuing cooperation, the more important next step is to verify the registration process through official channels and specific exhibition section requirements as early as possible, keep communication records, and assess the practical feasibility of participating in the CIIE based on their own products and market positioning.
（LJI by Yuanyuan）
