Navigating New Horizons: Eric Rupert and altPlus at the Canada In Asia Conference 2025

The 2025 Canada-Asia Conference (CIAC2025) was held successfully in Singapore from February 19 to 21, bringing together industry leaders from Asia and Canada to discuss the evolving trade landscape. Eric Rupert, CEO of altPlus, was invited to share his insights on the shifts in global trade dynamics. This article explores Canadian business dialogue in Asia Business and altPlus’ global market perspective.

Introduction

The Canada In Asia Conference 2025 (February 19-21, Singapore) is a pivotal event for Canadian businesses looking to strengthen ties across Asia amid a shifting global landscape.

With potential trade policy changes between Canada and the U.S. on the horizon, alongside growing geopolitical tensions, the conference offered a platform for bold ideas and strategic discussions.

Eric Rupert, CEO of altPlus (https://www.altplus.xyz ) and a board member of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai (CanCham Shanghai), was among the key attendees.

This article explores three angles: the role of Canadian business in the international community, opportunities and challenges in China, and altPlus’s unique perspective as a global player.

New Opportunities in Global Markets

Amid global trade uncertainties, 68% of Canadian businesses are actively seeking new market opportunities. According to the Asian Development Bank, Asia's GDP is expected to grow by 4.9% in 2025, demonstrating significant potential and making it an important development area for Canadian businesses.

For companies like altPlus, CIAC2025 offered valuable opportunities to form new partnerships and explore business ventures. During the event, altPlus highlighted its collaborations with multinational companies like Unilever (Lipton) and in industries like paper and pulp and construction.

These partnerships have enhanced business performance and opened up new opportunities in the international market. Through interactions with other attendees, altPlus gained a deeper understanding of the Asian market and identified areas for future growth.

The conference also allowed altPlus to demonstrate its global perspective and flexibility, strengthening its position in international trade.

Opportunities and Challenges in China

China remains a key market for Canadian enterprises, particularly in sectors such as technology and clean energy. The country’s open approach to foreign investment and innovation has created a favorable environment for companies like altPlus. Leveraging Shanghai's status as a global hub, altPlus has successfully established a solid presence in China over the past decade.

Despite the challenges of a competitive market, altPlus has built strong relationships with local governments and businesses, gaining access to valuable bamboo resources and industry partners.

This collaboration has not only supported local economic growth but has also positioned altPlus as a key player in sustainable development, turning bamboo into fiber and engineering products.

While the Chinese market is highly competitive, altPlus has adapted and continued to innovate, identifying new business opportunities and driving sustainable growth.

altPlus’ Perspective

Since its founding, altPlus has focused on adapting to the changing international trade environment. Whether participating in initiatives like the Belt and Road or engaging in local sustainable building projects in China, altPlus has demonstrated its international vision and ability to execute on a global scale.

altPlus, with its global operations from the start, is well-equipped to handle trade uncertainties. In an interview, Eric Rupert shared:

"The event in Singapore this year was at an interesting time in the geopolitical trade discussion due to the ongoing adjustments in Canadian and American policy. This has made for much more colourful communication as well as energetic talks and ambitious ideas. Judging by the response in the media, people in attendance, and general public sentiment, most were not prepared for the notice of potential trade changes with the US.

While this may have substantial impact on the greater economic conditions and the daily lives of citizens on both sides of the border, it may reveal a number of solutions and positive changes that were not being worked on prior.

As a business community representing Canadian interests in China and internationally, I see this as an opportunity to advance our business opportunities around the world. This is not new to altPlus as we have been working both locally in Canada and on an international level from our beginnings, so we have much confidence in navigating the current situation and utilizing our operations and partners globally to maintain or accelerate our already established plans."

Facing Challenges, Seizing Opportunities

The 2025 Canada-Asia Conference served as a crucial platform for Canadian enterprises to engage in international collaboration. For cross-border companies like altPlus, it offered significant opportunities to expand into new markets.

In an ever-changing trade landscape, altPlus continues to grow by leveraging its flexible strategies and strong local expertise. As the company explores new business opportunities, it remains committed to sustainable development, providing a model for other enterprises to follow.

For more information on how altPlus can support your sustainability goals with bamboo solutions, contact us at [email protected].

altPlus – Engineering Sustainability.