Closer ties boost Sino-Canadian trade ( 2003-10-22 00:54) (China Daily)
Sino-Canadian relations have maintained a strong momentum and benefited both
nations, Premier Wen Jiabao told his Canadian counterpart Jean Chretien
Wednesday in Beijing.
Premier Wen Jiabao
(right) chats with his Canadian counterpart Jean Chretien in Beijing while
attending an agreement signing ceremony October 22, 2003.
[newsphoto.com.cn]
During the past 10 years, bilateral political ties have increased, Wen said.
Over the same period, the volume of bilateral trade has tripled.
"Practice has proven that Sino-Canadian relations can develop steadily
as long as the two nations treat each other with mutual respect and equality,
seeking common development while acknowledging differences,'' Wen said.
Visiting Prime Minister Chretien said Canada is satisfied with the growing
friendship between the two peoples and hopes bilateral trade will double by
2010.
Statistics from the General Administration of Customs of China indicate that
China's trade volume with Canada in the first eight months of 2003 was US$5.18
billion, up 6.7 per cent year-on-year. From January to August this year, China's
exports to Canada totalled US$2.74 billion dollars, up 22.7 per cent, and its
imports from Canada totalled US$2.44 billion, down 7.0 per cent, Xinhua
reported.
To build on existing links, Wen suggested the two nations continue high-level
exchanges and strengthen current consultation and dialogue mechanisms in
politics and economics.
The two countries should also tap the potential of and seek more partnerships
in energy, environmental protection, telecommunications, insurance and
agriculture.
And they should consult and co-ordinate more in international and regional
organizations to maintain world peace and seek common development, Wen said.
After their meeting, the two leaders attended the signing ceremony for a
joint statement on strengthening dialogue and co-operation on climate change. A
memorandum on a scholar exchange programme and a letter of intent on infant and
women's health, legal co-operation and agricultural development were also
signed.
Chretien then met with Wu Bangguo, chairman of the Standing Committee of the
National People's Congress (NPC). He said Canada would like to work with China
on its staging of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing.
The Canadian prime minister will also meet Jiang Zemin, chairman of the
Central Military Commission, and members of the Canada-China Business Council
during his four-day official visit, which ends tomorrow.
