The German Canadian Business Association (GCBA) recently had the pleasure of supporting a delegation from Thuringia, Germany, as they explored business opportunities in Vancouver. The delegation, led by Herbert Stuetz, Head of Department, and accompanied by Dr. Stefan Slechschmidt and Damir Agic from the LEG (Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft) Thüringen, was keen to establish connections and gain insights into the Canadian market.
This visit was meticulously organized by PM & Partner Marketing Consulting GmbH (Claudia Hennig, Sebastian Hass, Markus Wellmann), who reached out to the GCBA for assistance in arranging key meetings and events. The delegation was warmly welcomed upon their arrival by the German General Consul of Vancouver, Dr. Marc Eichhorn, setting a positive tone for their stay.
The following morning, the delegation attended a highly informative speaker event hosted by GCBA member Britt Lampe (CPA/CGA) – Partner at Manning Elliott in Vancouver, at their office in Downtown. Britt provided valuable insights into the Canadian business environment, specifically focusing on taxation and broader considerations for German companies looking to do business in Canada. To enrich the discussion, Britt invited two additional speakers: Megan Henwood from Invest Vancouver, who introduced the participants to the economic landscape of the region, and Patrick Barry from the Government of British Columbia, who elaborated on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union.
The event was attended by GCBA President Andrea Bascha and Daniel Paquette, the new Director of the World Trade Center Vancouver. Both Andrea and Daniel engaged in lively discussions with the delegation, sharing their own experiences and offering additional guidance.
Following the morning session, the delegation members embarked on individual visits to various businesses in the region, tailored to their specific industries. These appointments provided them with the opportunity to delve deeper into the local market and forge meaningful connections that will undoubtedly contribute to their future success in Canada.
Before the delegation made their way to Seattle, Washington, members of the GCBA were invited to a casual dinner at The Vancouver Fish Company on Granville Island. This relaxed gathering allowed participants to discuss both business and personal life in Vancouver.
It was a wonderful evening filled with interesting conversations and delicious food, providing a perfect conclusion to the delegation’s Vancouver visit.
We are grateful for the trust the delegation placed in us and are pleased to have been able to support their excursion, offering insights into our business and personal lives here in Vancouver. The GCBA is open to supporting future delegations and looks forward to further collaborations. For now, we wish all participants a safe journey home, taking with them new ideas and inspiration from their time in Canada.
A special thank you to our members who captured and shared wonderful photos from the dinner evening, helping us preserve the memories of this memorable gathering.
