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.
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The two sides announced that 2018 would be the Canada-China Year of Tourism and agreed that Canada will open seven additional visa application centres in China to help boost tourist travel to Canada.
“China is Canada’s fastest-growing tourism market, already its third-largest overseas source market for tourists, and Chinese visitors contribute over $1 billion annually to Canada’s economy”. During his visit to Canada in June, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi firmly rejected human rights accusations against Beijing.
“Our two countries confirmed the agreement following the first leg of Prime Minister Trudeau’s official visit to China”.
“It’s very healthy, it’s great for Canadians, it’s great for Chinese consumers”. Over the course of the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau will take the opportunity to visit Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Hong Kong, while also attending the G20 Leaders’ Summit.
On Thursday, Trudeau announced the signing of 56 trade deals with China at a business gala in Shanghai.
Canada-based cover artist Ramon Perez told NPR he originally envisioned Trudeau shirtless, but later drew a tank featuring the country’s signature maple leaf when Marvel thought it too risque. The prime minister left for China on Tuesday with his wife and daughter for a week-long trip from August 30 to September 6.
Trudeau’s speech also discussed the vast economic potential for both countries across numerous traditional industries like natural resources, but also in newer sectors like clean technology. The pavilion will enable Canadian sellers to tap into China’s rapidly expanding middle class, which now comprises some 300 million people, and also allow Chinese consumers to buy products from Canadian companies online.
On Wednesday, Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang reached a last-minute temporary solution for an urgent trade dispute over Canadian canola exports.
“I remind everyone that as a country that has seen first hand the benefits of free expression and good governance – Canada encourages China to do more to promote and protect human rights.”
The upcoming Hangzhou summit of the G20, a multilateral framework to which Canada has made important contributions, will also offer an opportunity for the two countries to maintain coordination in regional and worldwide affairs.
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Canada will also apply for membership at the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
