Organizers and guests gather at a press conference for the 4th Canada-China Cultural Dialogue to be held on Tuesday in Toronto. From left: Judy Lee, vice-president at RBC; Andy Chan of Miller Thomson LLP; William Cheng, chair of Canada-China Economic Growth Alliance; Michael Chan, Ontario minister of citizenship, immigration and international trade; Nelly Ng, chairwoman of Can4Culture; and Hu Jinhua, China's vice-consul in Toronto. [Photo by LI NA/ CHINA DAILY]

In the spirit of promoting understanding in today's globalized economy, the 4th Canada-China Cultural Dialogue will take place on Aug 5-6 at the Hilton Toronto.

The Canadian Fund for International Understanding through Culture (Can4Culture) will join forces with the Canada-China Economic Growth Alliance (CCEGA) to co-host the exclusive forum dedicated to creating a better understanding of the cultural and business links between Canada and China.

"Building on our past dialogues, the focus of this year's conference will be on the understanding of cultural differences in business practices. We at Can4Culture aspire to strengthening global understanding through culture in Canada', said Dr Nelly Ng, chairwoman of Can4Culture, at a press conference on Tuesday in Toronto.

"One of our goals is to facilitate bilateral business success. With this in mind, we partner with Can4Culture to launch our organization in the Canadian and Chinese business communities," said William Cheng, chairman of the CCEGA.

As one of the major parts of 2015 Sino-Canada Cultural Exchange Year, the Canada-China Cultural Dialogue will bring together a panel of distinguished Canadian and Chinese cultural and corporate leaders to share their insights gained from years of managing and conducting successful cross-cultural ventures.

Through this dialogue, the organizers hope to cultivate better understanding, cement collaborations and strengthen relationships for Canadians.

Ontario's Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade Michael Chan joined the press conference. "We need to diversify our partners in the world," he said. "China has been Canada's second-largest trading partner after the US, we hope to learn more about the long history and culture of China so that we can work together smoothly in the future."

"There's an old saying in Chinese culture: ‘Make friends first, do business second'. People should get to know each other well and build a good relationship before cooperation and business," said Chinese vice-consul in Toronto Hu Jinhua, "This dialogue will lay a good foundation for entrepreneurs from both China and Canada."

The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) will be the platinum sponsor and Manulife will be the gala sponsor of the 4th Canada-China Cultural Dialogue.

"It is a privilege to be able to sponsor this event and play a role in continuing to build on these important conversations," said Judy Lee, vice-president of commercial financial services at RBC.