In 2018, I moved to Cape Breton to study in the master of business administration program at Cape Breton University (CBU). I had learned all about the program before moving to Nova Scotia and was prepared for the journey ahead.
I quickly became very connected to the community and knew that I wanted to call Cape Breton Island my new home. My family owns an importing and exporting business in Jiangsu Province in China, and I grew up learning the ways of my family company. Through my MBA studies, I started making connections in the business community and realized how supportive and collaborative business leaders are here in Cape Breton.
Seeing those connections and opportunities, I established my own business called SW East Trading Consulting Limited and provide importing and custom logistics to several companies across Atlantic Canada.
As well, I recently took a position with Louisbourg Seafood as sales manager and have been focused on international markets for the company.
I have been able to accomplish a tremendous amount since moving to Cape Breton. That success has been through hard work, countless supports and significant opportunities I have received from the community.
I firmly believe that Cape Breton Island can provide opportunities like this for many other newcomers. The announcement to create the Centre for Discovery and Innovation at CBU can be the key driver for the population growth needed for Cape Breton. We need the government to support this important project for our island.
I am calling on my fellow business leaders to support this new initiative. By attracting students from around the world to Cape Breton Island, we can create more opportunities to grow existing businesses, create new businesses, and increase Cape Breton's population.
To voice your support, I encourage you to reach out to your government representatives.
Shaowei Xu
Dutch Brook
