Hello, Business Enthusiasts!
Buckle up, because we’re diving into some serious business news that’s juicier than a prime cut from your local—but sadly overpriced—steakhouse.
The Canada-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (CCCA) has just made a splash bigger than a hippo in a kiddie pool, aiming to boost Canadian SMEs into the economic stratosphere—specifically into an economic region projected to grow at a whopping 4.7% in 2024! Talk about having your cake and eating it too, eh?
The Grand Inauguration
On October 17, 2024, the CABC cranked up the excitement in Montreal as they inaugurated the CCCA—our new best friend for business opportunities. This initiative isn’t just for your average Joe; it’s laser-focused on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Yup, the little guys are finally getting their moment in the sun, and it only took how many years?
Connecting the Dots: Canada to ASEAN
CCCA’s mission is as noble as a knight in shining armor, aiming to weave strong connections between Canadian and ASEAN businesses. They’re rolling out the red carpet of market intelligence, sweetening the deal with networking events and good old-fashioned business-to-business trade missions.
It’s like Tinder for businesses, but with less awkward small talk and more spreadsheets!
Wayne Farmer Talks Turkey
Wayne Farmer, the President of CABC, is ready to ride this wave into the sunset, proclaiming that Canadian businesses are more pumped than a double espresso about engaging with Southeast Asia. And why shouldn’t they be? With high consumer demand in priority sectors like investments, food security, and energy transition, this sounds like a buffet of opportunities.
Don’t worry about bringing your own forks; the CCCA is providing all the cutlery you need.
What’s Inside the CACC Business Program?
Now, let’s talk perks! The CACC Business Program offers privileges that would make even a high-roller blush. From exclusive entry guides to targeted business missions in ASEAN, it’s like a golden ticket to Charlie’s chocolate factory—if Charlie were a Canadian entrepreneur with dreams bigger than his capital.
Seminars, workshops, and webinars are all on the menu, serving up insights to help SMEs navigate this promising landscape.
Coordination is Key
One of the standout aspirations of the CCCA is to create a cohesive framework to unite bilateral chambers, trade bodies, and the exuberant Southeast Asian diaspora in Canada. Because, let’s face it, teamwork makes the dream work—even if sometimes it feels like herding cats!
With everyone pulling in the same direction, the chances of success skyrocket.
A Word from the Trade Representative
Paul Thoppil, Canada’s Trade Representative for the Indo-Pacific, adds his two cents, urging a collective effort to boost engagement with Southeast Asia—the economic equivalent of a high-speed train. He’s not kidding; with Canadian trade associations stepping up, we might just hit warp speed in international trade and economic growth!
Celebrate Success
Mark your calendars, because on October 16, at the very first large-scale Canada-ASEAN business conference in Montreal, fortunes were forged and connections were made. Wayne Farmer snagged the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which practically screams “I know what I’m doing!” Recognize this man; he’s a heavyweight in bilateral collaboration!
The CABC: Who Are They?
Established in 2012, the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) is like the wise old owl in this business forest—offering guidance, networking, and representation of nearly 90 leading companies. It’s the first and only ASEAN-accredited Canadian entity, proving once more that Canadians really are polite—even in commerce!
Stay in Touch
If you’re itching to learn more or jump on this bandwagon, check out the CABC website and take some time to explore what they’re all about. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned business mogul, opportunities await as vast as the Canadian Rockies!
For more information, feel free to reach out to the enthusiastic team at CABC—because there’s no time like the present to start your business adventure!
The new entity announces a strategic commercial program to propel Canadian SMEs into one of the economic regions in the world recording the highest real GDP growth, projected in 2024 at 4.7%
MONTREAL, Oct. 17, 2024 /CNW/ – CABC inaugurates the Canada-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (CCCA), dedicated to facilitating business opportunities for Canadian businesses, with a particular focus on SMEs. CCCA’s mission is to deepen connections between Canadian and ASEAN businesses by combining market and business intelligence with networking events and business-to-business trade missions.
Thi Be Nguyen, Jan De Silva, Ghislain Robichaud, Louis Vachon, Scott Moore, Jean Charest, Mary-Catherine Speirs, Frank Des Rosiers, Wayne Farmer, Ambassador Pham Vinh Quang (Vietnam), Silky Mahdewi (Indonesia), Paul Thoppil (Group CNW/Canada-ASEAN Business Council)
“This is a very promising new chapter in Canada-ASEAN relations, particularly for Canadian SMEs looking to expand or diversify their strategies in the region,” said Wayne Farmer, President of the CABC. “Our 2024 Business Outlook survey shows that Canadian business confidence in the region is stronger than ever, with 4 in 5 companies surveyed expressing intent to increase trade and investment in South Asia. Southeast. The CCCA will open more doors, focusing on priority sectors for the region where Canada can provide cutting-edge expertise, particularly in areas such as investments, food security and energy transition. »
The CACC Business Program will be offered to CABC members and SMEs interested in exploring or expanding their businesses in ASEAN. The Chamber will host networking events, seminars and workshops in Canada and ASEAN, as well as webinars. It will also provide market access tools such as exclusive entry guides and organize sector-specific business-to-business missions to the region for Canadian SMEs.
One of the main goals of the CCCA is to establish a unified and cohesive framework for collaboration between bilateral chambers, Canadian-based groups, regional trade bodies and Southeast Asian diaspora trade organizations. in Canada. This enhanced connectivity at the heart of the business ecosystem will ensure coordinated and efficient efforts that maximize impact.
“Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy calls on all of society to deepen our engagement in this part of the world, including with Southeast Asia, the fastest growing economic region in the world said Paul Thoppil, Canadian Trade Representative for the Indo-Pacific, Global Affairs Canada. “The strengthened work of Canadian trade associations will be essential to helping SMEs succeed in the region, thereby boosting international trade and economic growth. »
The announcement of the inauguration of the CCCA was made on October 16, during the first large-scale Canada-ASEAN business conference organized by the CABC in Montreal. The event brought together government officials, ASEAN diplomats and business leaders to showcase the region’s business potential. At the event, Wayne Farmer received the King Charles III Coronation Medal, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to bilateral collaboration between Canada and ASEAN, and the economic growth it has generated.
About the Canada-ASEAN Business Council (CABC)
Established in 2012, CABC is a non-profit organization that represents the voice of Canadian businesses in the Canada-ASEAN Economic Corridor. Headquartered in Singapore with a Canadian office in Montreal, CABC is the first and only ASEAN-accredited Canadian entity dedicated to strengthening economic ties between Canada and ASEAN. The CABC is also one of only three foreign business councils in ASEAN with such accreditation.
As the voice of the Canadian private sector in ASEAN, the CABC represents the interests of nearly 90 leading companies and organizations, demonstrating the diverse strengths of Canadian businesses and the range of business opportunities present in the region. The CABC promotes stronger trade and investment ties between Canada and ASEAN through policy advocacy and promotion, networking events and research initiatives.
CABC website: www.canasean.com
CCCA website: https://www.canasean.com/cacc
Page LinkedIn: Canada-ASEAN Business Council
X: @CAN_ASEAN
SOURCE Canada-ASEAN Business Council
For more information, contact the CABC team: Thi Be Nguyen, General Director in Canada, (Montreal Office), M. 438 526-8407, C. [email protected]; Nicky Lung, Managing Director, (Head Office, Singapore), M. +65 9235 6050, C. [email protected]
