Business chamber Vancouver launch
- ellenvalter
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Update #265
Estonian Canadian Business Chamber - national not just in name!
Estonian Canadian Business Chamber launched in Vancouver on October 20, 2025, in conjunction with a CityAge conference that showcased the future of Vancouver and, on the second day, the business connections between Canada and Europe through the lens of Estonia.
The launch reception was a-buzz with energy, with professionals and businesspeople from all industries, each with a connection to Estonia, whether it be through heritage or business - or both!
Ellen Valter, the lead for the business chamber, kicked things off by introducing the need for a business chamber that progresses Prime Minister Mark Carney's mandate letter to cabinet to prioritize reliable trading partnerships. With Europe as Canada's second largest trading partner, Estonia steps up to further this goal.
Estonia's Ambassador to Canada, Margus Rava, and Estonia's Honorary Consul for Vancouver, Evaleen Jaager Roy greeted guests and encouraged attendees to help take up the cause and get involved, and Kadi Metsandi, Estonia's e-Residency representative for Vancouver touched on how over 130,000 e-Residents have already set up almost 38,000 companies in Estonia, accessing the European market.
The evening was sponsored by Estonia's Embassy in Ottawa and by UrbanRacks out of Vancouver that partners with Estonian Bikeep, and Kosta Chatzispiros talked about the thriving business relationship between the two companies.
The buzz in the room was palpable, with many businesspeople of Estonian heritage (or "Estonian-adjacent", attending a Vancouver Estonian-related event for the first time.
The Business Chamber launch followed a full day conference by CityAge re The Next Metro Vancouver. Miro Cernitig, the lead for CityAge, was also the driving force behind the chamber launch as well as the next day Canada-Europe Connect curated by Estonia's Honorary Consuls in Vancouver, Evaleen Jaager Roy and Evi Mustel.
This half-day conference was rich with examples and potential for business flourishing between the two countries.
The Estonian Canadian Business Chamber has overcome inter-provincial barriers that have confounded trade in Canada, and now successfully launched in two provinces! The next event is in Toronto on November 6, 2025. Go to estonianchamber.ca to learn more.
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