Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau arrives in Hangzhou to attend the G20 Summit in Hangzhou, capital city of east China’s Zhejiang Province, Sept. 3, 2016.
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Both Mr. Ma and Prime Minister Trudeau said at a ceremony at Alibaba Group’s head office that the cooperation agreement empowers the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and Alibaba to work together to expand the two-way flow of goods, services and people.
This was Ma’s second meeting with Trudeau since the prime minister’s arrival in China on Tuesday.
The question of human rights and ethics surrounding China and Canada’s potentially stronger relationship with the economic powerhouse is being debated across the country and between the two countries.
While in Hangzhou, the Prime Minister and Minister Freeland had an opportunity to tour the Alibaba Xixi campus with over 30 Canadian companies present.
Today’s meetings emphasized the importance of building relationships with worldwide partners over time that result in new opportunities for the middle class and those working hard to join it. “We will continue to strengthen relationships with individuals and companies around the world, with the aim of growing our economy and middle class back home”, he said. That is why we’re increasing our commercial presence in the Chinese market, and encouraging our small and medium-sized enterprises to tap into the enormous opportunities there. “I also made it clear to the leaders I met that Canada wants to increase engagement with a peaceful, stable, and prosperous China.” Rt.
A day earlier, the family of Canadian citizen Kevin Garratt, indicted by China in January on charges of spying and stealing state secrets, expressed frustration by the lack of progress in securing his release.
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“What this means is there will be a digital hub directly connecting Canadian companies to over 400 million Chinese consumers”, Trudeau said. He also expects the portal to promote tourism in Canada. When asked about the possibility of a free trade treaty, Canadian trade minister Chrystia Freeland said on Thursday in Shanghai that Ottawa would be “taking its time” on the matter.
