In this special episode of The Negotiation, WPIC CEO Jacob Cooke steps in as host to interview Bijan Ahmadi, Executive Director & COO at the Canada China Business Council—one of the leading organizations supporting Canadian businesses in China and strengthening bilateral commercial ties.

This episode offers a unique perspective: Jacob was in Beijing during Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent visit to China—the first by a Canadian leader in years—giving him firsthand insight into the trip's significance. Together, Jacob and Bijan unpack what the visit means for Canadian business and Canada-China relations, with Bijan's deep expertise in trade policy, market access, and bilateral economic engagement complementing Jacob's on-the-ground observations.

This conversation comes at a critical moment: as the U.S. administration raises questions about Canada's engagement with China, this episode cuts through the noise to focus on the facts—what was actually agreed, what it means for jobs and GDP, and why China remains a vital market for Canadian exporters and businesses.

Discussion Points

· The historical context and significance of Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to China

· Whether the visit achieved a meaningful reset in Canada-China relations

· Specific outcomes and agreements from the trip—sector-by-sector wins for the Canadian economy

· CCBC's role during the visit and how members have reacted

· How Canadian businesses are reassessing their perceptions of China post-visit

· Next challenges CCBC will work to solve for Canadian business

· Clarifying misconceptions around a potential "deal" with China and U.S. political concerns

· The strategic importance of China to Canada's economy—jobs, GDP, and export opportunities

In this episode of The Negotiation, host Todd Embley welcomes Tom Simpson, Managing Director of China Operations and China Chief Representative for the China-Britain Business Council (CBBC)—one of the leading organizations supporting UK businesses in China and strengthening bilateral commercial ties.

Tom joins the show to unpack Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's recent visit to China—the first by a UK leader in eight years—and what it means for British business and UK-China relations. With deep expertise in bilateral trade and on-the-ground operations in China, Tom provides an insider perspective on the specific outcomes of the trip, CBBC's role during the visit, and what comes next for UK companies navigating the Chinese market.

From visa-free travel to tariff reductions, Tom walks through the concrete agreements reached and explores what they mean for different sectors of the UK economy. The conversation also addresses the ongoing challenges and opportunities UK businesses face in China, and where the greatest potential lies for UK-China commercial cooperation in the years ahead.

Discussion Points

· Historical background to PM Starmer's visit—why the eight-year gap and how the trip came about

· Whether the visit achieved a meaningful reset in UK-China relations

· Specific agreements and announcements: visa-free travel, tariff reductions, and other key outcomes

· CBBC's role during the trip and member reactions

· Current challenges and opportunities for UK companies operating in China

· Priority areas for UK-China commercial cooperation over the next few years

· Key message for UK business leaders is still uncertain about China as a market

In this episode of The Negotiation podcast, host Todd Embley welcomes back Justin Downes, President of Axis Leisure Management and one of the foremost experts on skiing and winter sports development in Asia.

With nearly two decades of experience shaping China’s ski and snowboard industry — including playing a role in the infrastructure behind the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics — Justin brings a rare, on-the-ground perspective. More recently, his work in Japan’s ski market gives him a comparative lens on how Asia’s two most important winter sports economies are evolving.

With the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics on the horizon, this conversation dives into participation trends, market growth, and where the biggest opportunities lie for brands, operators, and investors across China and Japan.

Discussion Points

· Where Justin is joining from and what he’s been focused on since his last appearance

· A high-level assessment of the 2025–2026 ski season in China

· Comparing the outlook for China and Japan’s ski markets — similarities and divergences

· Data and trends around skier and snowboarder participation in China

· How the profile of the “typical” Chinese skier has evolved in recent years

· Chinese athletes to watch ahead of the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics

· Whether Milan 2026 could spark another participation boost across China and Asia

· The evolution of indoor skiing in China and its role in market development

· Commercial opportunities across resorts, equipment, apparel, training, and experiences

· Key takeaways on what the next five years hold for skiing in China and Japan