Stephen Harper wrapped up third visit to China

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is greeted by Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, upon his arrival at the Great Hall of the People during his official visit to China on Nov 9 in Beijing, China. Photo by Jason Ransom

Prime Minister Stephen Harper wrapped-up his third official visit to China on Nov 10 in Beijing. While in Beijing.

"I was pleased to meet with Chinese leaders and strengthen the foundation for future commercial collaboration." Said Stephen Harper, "That will help Canadian companies access the incredible opportunities this crucial market has to offer. This will in turn generate jobs and economic growth in Canada."

During his visit, the Prime Minister and China's Premier Li Keqiang agreed to a series of initiatives under the Canada-China Joint List of Outcomes 2014, including the establishment of an economic and financial strategic dialogue to enhance Canada-China commercial ties and the expansion of a Memorandum of Understanding on Nuclear Cooperation to increase exports to China. The leaders also agreed to a set of measures to support the increased use of RMB in trade, commerce and investment between the two countries.

On Nov 9, the two sides issued a statement stating that Canada will establish North America's first offshore RMB trading center in Toronto. And they further signed a 200-billion RMB bilateral currency swap agreement.

"The establishment of Canada as a RMB centre will continue to raise our stature as a global financial centre and will facilitate increased trade and investment with China, thus benefitting the entire Canadian economy," said Perrin Beatty, President & CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce.

The Prime Minister also met with President Xi Jinping and discussed the bilateral relationship and international issues of mutual interest.

As part of promoting bilateral commercial trade, the Prime Minister met with a Canadian business delegation from a wide range of sectors to discuss the tremendous opportunities for Canadian companies to invest and grow their businesses in China. He also witnessed a series of commercial signings between Canadian and Chinese firms which are expected to create more than 2,000 jobs in the Canadian market. Lastly, while in Beijing, the Prime Minister took part in the Canada-China Business Forum where he engaged business leaders from both countries and highlighted the importance of the Canada-China commercial relationship.

While in Hangzhou, the Prime Minister announced that Canada will open new trade offices in the Chinese cities of Hangzhou, Xi'an, Xiamen and Tianjin. This will help Canadian businesses flourish in some of the fastest growing regions of China, bringing Canada's trade network to a total of 15 locations across the country.

Finally, on the first day of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Meeting, the Prime Minister strongly encouraged members to accelerate trade and investment liberalization, highlighting significant measures that Canada has taken to further facilitate international commercial flows with the region.

"I was pleased to have the opportunity to meet with APEC leaders at the Summit in Beijing and share with them the many measures that Canada is taking to stimulate international trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond." Harper Said.

The Prime Minister's visit to China was 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.