Canadian Heritage: Creative Industries Trade Mission to China

Deadline: July 19, 2026

Program Summary:

The Department of Canadian Heritage, through its Creative Export Strategy and in collaboration with Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service, is launching a call for applications for a creative industries trade mission to China, taking place October 11 to 14, 2026.

The mission will be held in Shanghai and will bring together a business delegation of up to 20 Canadian companies and organizations from the following creative industries subsectors:

• interactive and digital media
• performing arts

A second city could be added to the itinerary. The confirmed itinerary will be included in the invitation sent to selected candidates.

Designed for experienced Canadian exporters, this government-led trade mission offers participants an opportunity to increase their visibility and strengthen their presence in the Chinese market. Through targeted business programming and networking activities, delegates will have the opportunity to connect with key industry stakeholders, potential buyers and strategic partners, and to explore new business and collaboration opportunities.

Business program elements:

• market intelligence briefing and information sessions on the Chinese market
• tailored business-to-business meetings
• networking activities
• site visits

Mission details

Delegation: up to 20 experienced Canadian export-ready small and medium companies or not-for-profit organizations.

Location: Shanghai, China. A second city could be added to the itinerary. The confirmed itinerary will be included in the invitation sent to selected candidates.

Dates: Sunday, October 11, to Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Eligible creative sectors:

• interactive and digital media (including gaming and immersive experiences)
• performing arts (priority will be given to non-verbal works, dance and circus, with particular consideration for works that incorporate immersive, interactive, or emerging digital technologies)

Please note: The subsectors represented as part of the trade mission will depend on the number and quality of applications received. Any updates or changes related to the composition of the delegation will be communicated to applicants.

Mission objectives

• Facilitate market entry and maximize export potential for experienced small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Canada’s creative sector with demonstrated international business experience and high growth potential.
• Increase the visibility and profile of companies already established in China and expand international business development opportunities.
• Strengthen relationships with government counterparts in China to showcase Canada as a partner of choice in the creative industries and promote the expertise and high quality of Canadian creative industries.

Why China

China’s creative industries are dynamic and fast growing, with China becoming a major force in global culture. Driven by rapid digital innovation and expanding consumer demand, the sector offers significant opportunities for international collaboration and for Canadian companies expand their business networks.

As the world’s second-largest economy, China is a high-potential export market for Canada’s creative industries, with creative exports valued at $734.1 million in 2023. Opportunities exist across all creative industry subsectors, notably the interactive digital media, and performing arts subsectors.

The Government of Canada has set an ambitious goal to increase exports to China by 50% by 2030. Canadian Heritage’s creative industries trade mission to this market directly contributes to this objective, supporting Canada’s commitment to diversifying global markets and strengthening creative collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region.

Mission expenses

• There is no fee to participate in the trade mission.
• The Department of Canadian Heritage covers costs related to the official program delivered on site (for example, business-to-business matchmaking services, networking events, and local transportation related to the trade mission program elements).
• Participants are responsible for covering all related travel costs, including airfare, accommodations, ground transportation and meals not included in the program.
• Participants are responsible for making their own travel arrangements, including all air and ground transportation to and from the airport.
• Canadian Heritage assumes no liability for any costs incurred by companies applying to participate in the trade mission in the event that the mission is canceled. It is strongly recommended to purchase trip cancellation insurance and/or a refundable ticket.

Funding for travel

• The Government of Canada, as well as provincial and territorial governments, offer export financing and other programs that help Canadian businesses expand internationally.
• CanExport SMEs, a funding program offered by the Trade Commissioner Service to help Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises expand into new international markets, is accepting applications until August 31, 2026.
• Please consult the Business Benefits Finder to find other programs and services suitable to your needs.
• You may also contact the Creative Export Navigator Service to help you find relevant funding resources.

Eligible Applicants:

Applicants must demonstrate how they meet the following criteria to be eligible to participate in the trade mission:

• must operate in one of the eligible creative industries sectors listed above
• be export-ready. The following criteria will be evaluated to determine your level of readiness:
  • have demonstrated exporting experience, preferably in China or in comparable international markets
  • have an export-ready, commercialized product or service. Companies/organizations with a product or service that is localized for the Chinese market will be prioritized
  • have targeted China as part of their international business strategy, either to export or to establish a market presence, or have conducted market research on China and related opportunities
  • have allocated resources (human, material, time and financial) toward internationalization
• be incorporated under the laws of Canada, a province or a territory
• be Canadian-owned and -controlled, as defined by the Creative Export Canada program
• able to demonstrate that the products and/or services they seek to promote through the trade mission will result in significant economic benefit for Canada (for example, increased production in Canada, employment creation, increased R&D activity)

A limited number of industry associations, government agencies, and large corporations may be selected as part of the governmental delegation to complement the Canadian businesses. To be considered for the trade mission, large businesses, trade associations and non-profit organizations must clearly demonstrate how they meet the following criteria:

• interest in the trade mission’s eligible sectors
• potential to contribute to fostering partnerships, knowledge exchange or economic development
• ability to bring demonstrated value to the trade mission through expertise, resources or collaboration opportunities

Please note: Small and medium-sized companies and not-for-profit organizations (excluding industry associations) will be prioritized to participate in the curated business-to-business program.