In an exclusive interview with The CanadianSME Small Business Magazine, Mr. Deng Jun, President and CEO of Bank of China Canada, shares a grounded perspective on the evolving relationship between Canadian and Chinese businesses. Drawing on decades of global banking experience, Mr. Deng highlights how cross-border collaboration, practical market access, and strong financial ecosystems are shaping new opportunities for Canadian companies looking to expand internationally.
Interview By Maheen Bari
Mr. Jun Deng, the current President & CEO of Bank of China (Canada) and Principal Officer of Bank of China Toronto Branch, holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Wuhan University. He has worked for the Bank of China Group since he graduated from university in 1990. After holding various positions in the Bank, he was appointed as General Manager of the Bank of China Wuhan ETD Branch in 2001. In 2006, he was appointed as Deputy Managing Director for Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Auto Finance Company Ltd., a joint venture between Bank of China Group Insurance Company Limited, Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile Company Ltd. and Banque PSA Finance.In 2009, he was appointed as Assistant General Manager in the Bank of China Limited Head Office Corporate Banking Group. In 2012, he was appointed as Country Head of Bank of China Limited – Manila Branch. In October of 2022, he was appointed as President & CEO of Bank of China (Canada) and Principal Officer of Bank of China Toronto Branch. He is also President of Canada China Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of Canada China Business Council and Foreign Bank Executive Committee Member of Canadian Bankers Association.
You’ve worked across multiple markets within the Bank of China Group and now lead Bank of China (Canada). What drew you to this role in Canada, and how do you see the bank’s mission in supporting the next stage of Canada–China business relations?
Canada has long been an important market within Bank of China’s global network because of its strong business environment, international outlook, and deep strengths across sectors such as agriculture, natural resources, technology, education, and consumer products. What drew me to this role was the opportunity to support a relationship that continues to evolve through trade, investment, and people-to-people connections.
Canada and China have built meaningful commercial ties over many years, and I see significant value in continuing to create practical pathways for businesses in both markets to engage with one another. Increasingly, Canadian companies are looking beyond traditional export models and exploring how to build longer-term market presence internationally. At the same time, Chinese businesses and consumers continue to value high-quality Canadian products, expertise, and innovation.
Bank of China (Canada)’s role is to help facilitate those connections. That includes supporting businesses with cross-border financial services, trade expertise, and access to international networks, while also helping companies better understand the operational realities of entering new markets.
Looking ahead, I believe our mission is to continue acting as a bridge — helping businesses navigate complexity, identify opportunities, and build sustainable long-term relationships across both economies.
The BOCC x CIIE roadshows with the Canada China Chamber of Commerce are designed to help Canadian companies understand and access the Chinese market. What is the purpose of these roadshows, and what kinds of questions or concerns are you hearing most often from Canadian businesses who attend?
The purpose of the BOCC x China International Import Expo roadshows is to give Canadian businesses a more practical understanding of how they can approach opportunities in China. For many companies, particularly SMEs, international expansion can feel complex or difficult to navigate from a distance. These sessions are designed to make that process more accessible by connecting businesses with market insights, trade expertise, and companies that already have experience operating in China.
Together with the Canada China Chamber of Commerce, we wanted the discussions to focus on real operational considerations rather than broad market theory. That includes understanding distribution channels, regulatory processes, consumer expectations, financing considerations, and how platforms like CIIE can support relationship-building and market entry over time.
There is also strong interest in hearing directly from Canadian companies already active in China. Those real-world experiences are often the most valuable part of the conversation because they help turn opportunity into something more tangible and actionable.
Canadian participation in the China International Import Expo (CIIE) has more than doubled from 2022 to 2025, with companies seeing tangible outcomes such as over $20 million in trade and investment in 2025 alone. For Canadian companies participating this year, what can they expect from CIIE in terms of opportunities, learning, and on‑the‑ground experience?
The growth in Canadian participation at the China International Import Expo reflects a broader interest among businesses looking to better understand international growth opportunities and build long-term relationships in the Chinese market.
For companies participating this year, CIIE offers exposure to a wide range of potential partners, buyers, distributors, and industry stakeholders in one environment. It provides an opportunity to better understand market demand, consumer trends, and how products or services may fit within China’s evolving economy.
At the same time, the value of CIIE extends beyond immediate commercial outcomes. Many companies attend to learn how the market operates on the ground – from distribution and branding to digital commerce and local partnerships. Those insights can be especially valuable for businesses evaluating long-term expansion strategies or assessing where their products may have the strongest potential.
We are also seeing growing interest from returning participants who view CIIE as an ongoing platform for relationship-building and market development. More and more companies have used the platform to strengthen visibility, establish partnerships, and continue expanding their presence over multiple years.
Ultimately, participation is about gaining access, understanding the market more deeply, and building connections that can support future growth.
Bank of China (Canada) offers services ranging from trade finance, international settlement, and foreign exchange to commercial lending and cash management. How can financial institutions like BOCC help build the ecosystem that Canadian companies need to compete and succeed globally—especially those looking to expand or deepen their presence in China?
Financial institutions play an important role in helping businesses navigate the operational side of international growth. Expanding into a new market requires more than identifying demand. Companies also need access to financing, cross-border payment infrastructure, foreign exchange capabilities, market knowledge, and trusted local networks.
At Bank of China (Canada), we see our role as helping create that broader ecosystem of support. That includes providing practical tools such as trade finance, international settlement services, and cash management solutions, while also helping businesses better understand how to operate across different regulatory and commercial environments.
For companies looking at China specifically, one of the biggest challenges is often navigating complexity from a distance. Financial institutions can help reduce some of that friction by facilitating introductions, sharing market insights, and connecting businesses with the right partners and resources on the ground.
This is particularly important for SMEs, which may have strong products and export potential but more limited international infrastructure internally.
Ultimately, building successful cross-border business relationships requires long-term collaboration between businesses, industry organizations, and financial institutions. The goal is to help companies move from initial interest toward sustainable participation in global markets over time.
For Canadian businesses that are curious about China but haven’t yet taken the first step, what message would you share? Why should they consider exploring this market now, and what practical advice would you give them on how to prepare and de‑risk their entry?
I would encourage Canadian businesses to approach China with curiosity, preparation, and a long-term perspective. China remains one of the world’s largest and most dynamic consumer markets, with continued demand for high-quality products, innovation, and international brands across sectors such as agri-food, health and wellness, consumer goods, and technology.
At the same time, entering any international market requires careful planning. My advice is to start by understanding where your product or service fits, who the target customer is, and what local partnerships may be required to support growth. Businesses should also spend time understanding distribution models, digital platforms, regulatory requirements, and consumer expectations before making the investments.
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to begin through platforms and networks that already exist. Events like the China International Import Expo allow companies to test market interest, meet potential partners, and gain first-hand insight into the market environment in a structured way.
It is also important to speak with companies that have already gone through the process. Learning from real operational experiences can help businesses make more informed decisions and build a clearer roadmap for sustainable international growth.
Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this interview are those of the interviewee and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of CanadianSME Small Business Magazine. Our platform is dedicated to fostering dialogue and sharing insights that inspire and empower small and medium-sized businesses across Canada.
