28 October 2009
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will visit China from December 2 to 6.
“Our two countries enjoy a growing partnership, sharing significant interests in trade and investment, the environment and regional security,” said the Prime Minister. “Canada is committed to a strong relationship with China that reflects our mutual respect and the need for practical cooperation.”
The Prime Minister’s visit follows 18 ministerial-level visits to China since 2006. This year, Canada is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the establishment of a Trade Commissioner Service office in Shanghai. In June 2008, Canada announced that six new trade offices would be opened in China. Two are operational in Shenzhen and Chengdu. The remaining four in Shenyang, Qingdao, Nanjing and Wuhan are expected to be opened by the end of this year. In 2010, Canada will celebrate 40 years of diplomatic relations with China.
China has one of the world’s fastest growing economies. It is Canada’s third largest export destination after the United States and the United Kingdom. The strength of ties between the two countries is also reflected in the estimated 1.2 million Canadians of Chinese origin and the more than 42,000 Chinese students who are currently studying in Canada.
