Beijing, China - 8 November 2014
Health engagement is one of the five strategic priorities of enhanced Canada-China relations announced by Canadian and Chinese leaders in the Joint Statement in 2009, in addition to education, trade and investment, energy and the environment, and governance. Canadian and Chinese health authorities are actively engaged in the exchange of information, technical analysis, capacity building, emergency communication, and surveillance programs.
Bilateral cooperation in the health sector is more important than ever given the emergence of new pathogens and the increased flow of people, food and consumer products across international borders. It strengthens our ability to protect and promote the health and safety of both Canadian and Chinese citizens.
During his third official visit to China, Prime Minister Stephen Harper, along with Premier Li Keqiang, announced that both countries would cooperate more closely in several health-related areas, including joint research efforts on infectious disease prevention and control, chronic disease, traditional Chinese medicine, food safety, health innovation as well as health emergency preparedness and response. The two leaders also committed to a new Annual Work Plan on health and to concluding a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding in 2015, which will cover food, therapeutic products, and cosmetic safety.
Finally, the leaders announced plans to celebrate 20 years of bilateral health engagement with commemorative initiatives planned for 2015.
Under the Annual Work Plan, Canada and China have committed to collaborating on several initiatives including infectious disease prevention and control, technical training on chronic disease surveillance, and sharing tools and resources for effective implementation of age friendly communities. The Plan is a meaningful way to move forward on common health interests.
