December 11, 2003ImmediatePrime Minister Jean Chrétien today announced that Canada and China had reached 7 new agreements that will enhance political, economic and cultural co-operation in a broad range of areas including agriculture, transportation, and between the judicial systems of both countries. Commercial deals for the sale of Canadian potash and Canadian wheat were also finalized. The Prime Minister witnessed the signing of these agreements in Ottawa following a bilateral meeting with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who is visiting the capital from December 10-12."Canada and China are moving rapidly to expand all facets of their relationship" said Prime Minister Chrétien. "Today's agreements will further enhance bilateral trade, international health and people-to-people ties and contribute to a better understanding of both countries judicial systems."Additional information on the agreements is attached.- 30 -NEW CANADA-CHINA BILATERAL AGREEMENTSBackgroundMemorandum of Understanding on Import and Export Phytosanitary CooperationThe Memorandum of Understanding on Import and Export Phytosanitary Cooperation between Canada and China builds on the 1986 Memorandum of Understanding on Plant Quarantine Cooperation. Both documents express, in general terms, agreements between Canada and China for the purpose of preventing the spread of quarantine diseases, pests and weeds, the elimination of damages caused by them, and the facilitation of the exchange of plants and plant products between the two countries. This strengthens the good working relationship between Canada and China on plant health matters.Establishment of a Technical Working Group on Microbiological and Chemical Residue Requirements for Food of Animal OriginCanada and China have agreed to establish a Technical Working Group on Microbiological and Chemical Residue Requirements for Food of Animal Origin in order to review differences in the approach each country takes to the presence of pathogens in raw meat, poultry, and seafood so as to come to a mutually satisfactory solution to assure each other of the safety of such products and thus clear the way for food exports and imports. Memorandum of Understanding on Canada-China Dairy CooperationThis MOU will facilitate co-operation between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) of the People's Republic of China in the areas of dairy technology, the development of knowledge and expertise in dairy farm management, the improvement of milk quality and the enhancement of Chinese processing capabilities. AAFC and MOST also wish to facilitate the exchange of dairy genetics and processed dairy products. Memorandum of Understanding between Transport Canada and the Ministry of Communications of China on highway and waterway transportation: This Memorandum of Understanding will serve to foster, develop and enhance technical cooperation and exchanges between the two departments in highway and waterway transportation.Letter of Intent Between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People's Republic of China on China-Canada Development Co-operation Projects in the Fields of Judicial Linkages and Livestock Health Extension ServicesCanada-China Judicial Linkages Cooperation Project The Canadian International Development Agency will provide up to $5 million, over five years, to support China's judicial reform process by sharing experience and expertise through the National Judicial Institute in a broad range of judicial practices between Canada and China's Courts, along with associated judicial institutions.Canada-China Technical Cooperation Project on Livestock Health Extension ServicesCIDA will provide up to $20 million, over five years, to support Western China's capacity to provide sustainable livestock-health services to poor rural households in the region. The funds will be used to increase the capacity of regional systems and institutions and to provide direct technical assistance and training to livestock health professionals working in Western China. Letter of Intent between the Canadian Dairy Industry and China National Cereals Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Corporation - COFCO Development Company Limited Following successful meetings in November 2003, members of the Canadian dairy industry and the China National Cereals Oils and Foodstuffs Import and Export Corporation - COFCO Development Company Limited have expressed their mutual intent to further investigate the possibilities of working together toward the development of quality dairy products to help meet Chinese consumer demand.Joint Declaration on Cultural CooperationIn the spirit of strengthening people-to-people ties between both countries, Canada and China have signed a Joint Declaration on Cultural Cooperation. This declaration encourages increased bilateral cooperation in the fields of arts, culture, and cultural heritage through the sharing of knowledge, experience, and achievements in these fields. Particular attention will be given to potential areas of cooperation in the the lead-up to the Beijing Olympics of 2008 and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics of 2010.Canpotex Limited Announces Signing of a One Year Contract for the Sale of Canadian Potash to China National Chemicals Import & Export CorporationCanpotex Limited (Canpotex) will sign a one year contract to supply, on an exclusive basis, 1.65 million tonnes of Canadian potash to China National Chemicals Import & Export Corporation (Sinochem) in 2004. This supply contract falls under the Memorandum of Understanding Canpotex and Sinochem signed in August 2003, which guarantees Canpotex's market share in China over the next three years.Sale of Canadian Wheat to ChinaThe Canadian Wheat Board signed an agreement to sell 500,000 metric tonnes of wheat to the China National Cereals, Oils & Foodstuffs Import & Export Corporation, one of the largest import and export companies in China. This substantial sale will benefit Canada's grain farmers.
