How much should a country rely on the rest of the world for its food, energy, medicine and technology? When does being connected become being dependent? And how much more would you pay for greater security? Join Emile, director of operations at the Canadian Chamber in Shanghai, for a discussion about the benefits and risks of global trade. We’ll explore how international connections can lower prices, expand choice and create opportunities, while also leaving countries exposed when supplies are disrupted or relationships break down.

Through accessible examples and difficult choices, we’ll compare the priorities of consumers, businesses and governments. Which industries should remain internationally connected, and which should countries protect or build at home? Does producing something domestically make a country safer, or can a wider network of trading partners offer greater resilience? No knowledge of economics or trade policy is necessary: Emile will introduce the background, and we’ll weigh the trade-offs together. Expect a lively, thoughtful conversation that connects everyday purchases to bigger questions about opportunity, national security and how much countries need, and trust, one another.

一个国家在食物、能源、药品和技术上，到底该多依赖世界其他地方？什么时候“连在一起”就变成了“依赖”？为了更安全，你愿意多花多少钱？跟着 Emile 来聊聊全球贸易的好处和风险。他是上海加拿大商会的运营总监。我们会看看国际连接怎么让价格更低、选择更多、机会更多，同时也会让国家在供应断了或者关系崩了的时候变得更脆弱。

通过好懂的例子和难做的选择，我们会比较消费者、企业和政府各自看重什么。哪些行业该继续跟国际连在一起，哪些又该自己保护或者建在国内？东西自己生产，是让国家更安全，还是一个更广的贸易伙伴网络更有韧性？不需要懂经济或贸易政策：Emile 会把背景讲清楚，我们一起权衡取舍。这会是一场热闹又有想法的聊天，把日常买东西跟机会、国家安全，还有国家之间到底需要彼此多少、又信任彼此多少这些更大的问题连起来。