Minister Joly Announces Her Intention to Lead Canada’s First Creative Industries Trade Mission to China in April 2018

VANCOUVER, October 5, 2017

Cultural exchange has always been an important aspect of diplomacy, deepening mutual understanding and facilitating collaboration. With China’s vibrant cultural scene growing rapidly, the Government of Canada is committed to helping Canada’s creative industries expand their already significant presence in the Chinese market.

Today at the Vancouver International Film Festival, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage, announced her intention to lead Canada’s first creative industries trade mission to China in April 2018. This mission will support Canadian creators and businesses in the creative industries who are looking to further new partnerships and build business-to-business relationships in China and strengthen the cultural and economic relationships between Canada and China. This announcement was made as part of Creative Canada, the Government of Canada’s vision for the future of our creative industries. This trade mission is part of the commitment to promoting the discovery and distribution of Canadian creative content in global markets.

With this creative industries trade mission, the Government will seek to establish greater commercial ties and opportunities for Canadian companies in the creative industries that wish to export and engage with the Chinese market in the following four sectors: film and audiovisual (including animation and visual effects); video games and virtual reality/augmented reality (VR/AR); digital content for public creative spaces and museums; and performing arts.

Minister Joly also announced the release of A Snapshot of China’s Creative Industries, a market study commissioned by the Department of Canadian Heritage, in partnership with the Trade Commissioner Service of Canada. The market study highlights the tremendous opportunities for Canadian artistic and cultural content in China.

The Government of Canada recognizes that Canadian creative industries are an important driver of our economy. Opening new markets for creators and creative entrepreneurs will contribute to inclusive growth, create jobs and strengthen the middle class and those working hard to join it.

To express your interest in participating in this creative industries trade mission, please contact pch.missionchine-chinamission.pch@canada.ca.