9 February 2012
Beijing, China
Canada and China have long enjoyed successful cooperation in the civil nuclear sector, and the Government of Canada is committed to improving this mutually beneficial relationship.
In keeping with this commitment, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced on February 9, 2012, the successful completion of substantive negotiations on an agreement that will allow for increased exports of Canadian uranium to China. The new agreement is in the form of Protocol that will supplement the Agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People’s Republic of China for Co-operation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy of 1994.
China is the world’s largest energy consumer and one of its priorities is to significantly increase its capacity to generate nuclear power. Canada is well placed to benefit from this situation as it can provide both nuclear fuel (uranium) and advanced nuclear technology.
The Protocol is a legally binding instrument that will govern and facilitate the export of Canadian uranium to China, supporting China’s energy needs and Canada’s long-term economic interests. As the Protocol is in full accordance with Canada’s longstanding nuclear non-proliferation policies and obligations, it will ensure that Canadian supplied uranium is being used in China’s nuclear program strictly for peaceful, civilian purposes.
This increased collaboration will allow Canadian companies to benefit from even greater access to China’s civilian nuclear power sector and enhance Canada’s export activities and bilateral relations with China.
Representatives from both countries will work to finalize the text of the Protocol within the next few months with a view to proceeding with their respective adoption processes as soon as possible.
Canada’s nuclear-energy industry generates approximately $6.6 billion in annual revenue, $1.2 billion in export each year and employs approximately 31,000 people.
