Canada reported October 20 that a five-day creative-industries trade mission to Shanghai, Shenzhen and Suzhou produced seven signed commercial agreements worth more than C$4.2 million. The figures are the Canadian government’s account of the mission, which concluded over the preceding weekend.

The delegation included nearly 50 representatives from 36 Canadian companies and organizations, mainly in interactive digital media, including games, and the performing arts. Canadian Heritage says participants held more than 370 tailored business meetings and attended two formal networking activities.

Minister Marc Miller met Chinese Culture and Tourism Minister Sun Yeli during the Shanghai International Arts Festival and held discussions with municipal leaders in the three cities. The talks covered cultural cooperation and opportunities for Canadian creative businesses in China.

The announced agreement values should not be treated as revenue already received or as proof that every proposed partnership has been implemented. Canadian Heritage says additional deals remain under negotiation. Signed agreements, ongoing discussions and eventual commercial results represent different stages of the mission’s follow-through.