Ottawa, Ontario
31 October 2014
Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that he will travel to the People's Republic of China from November 5 to 10 for an official visit. The visit will provide an opportunity to strengthen the longstanding ties between both countries and set the direction for the future of the Canada-China relationship. During the visit, the Prime Minister will focus on three main priorities: increasing trade and prosperity, strengthening people-to-people ties and deepening bilateral relations to best represent Canadian values and interests.
In Hangzhou (November 7 to 8), Prime Minister Harper will meet with Chinese government officials and a Canadian business delegation comprised of representatives from a broad range of sectors including clean-tech, agri-food and seafood, aerospace, energy, education, construction, forestry and wood products, and information and communication technologies, to discuss the tremendous opportunities China presents Canadian companies to grow their businesses. He will highlight how Chinese market-oriented reforms are creating growing opportunities for Canadian and other foreign businesses, and will promote actions taken by the Canadian government to support trade and commerce, which spurs job growth in the domestic market.
In Beijing (November 8 to 10), Prime Minister Harper will meet with the President and the Premier of the People's Republic of China. The leaders will discuss areas of mutual interest, including science and technology and clean energy. The Prime Minister will also engage with business leaders taking part in the Canada-China Business Forum where he will promote Canada as a resource-rich, technologically sophisticated and globally-engaged country which is open to investment.
During his visit to China, his third since taking office, the Prime Minister will be accompanied by John Baird, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, James Moore, Minister of Industry, Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, and Alice Wong, Minister of State for Seniors.
On November 10, the Prime Minister will also participate in some elements of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting in Beijing before returning to Canada for Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa on November 11.
