Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper's recent visit to China created new opportunities for Canadians and Chinese alike during the challenging economic times, Canadian Minister of
International Trade Stockwell Day said in his article which is to be published here on January 1.
Day, who accompanied Harper on his inaugural visit to China early December, devoted the article to the prospect of Sino- Canadian economic and trade relation. Entitled "The Canada-China Relationship: A New Beginning" ,
the article was published in the January issue of Vancouver-based English monthly China Business.
In his article, Day noted that Canadians had reason to celebrate a new beginning in the partnership with China even before Harper's first official visit to China.
In summarizing what Harper's China trip has achieved, he said the announcements that China has granted Canada "Approved Destination Status"
and both countries have signed an agreement on cultural cooperation "will help nurture the 'human' links that are so critical to Canada's relationship with China."
He made a brief introduction of the depth of bilateral commercial cooperation and said Haper's visit "built on this foundation" and brought
more opportunities to business people in both countries.
The minister cited energy as "one area of great promise." He said: "China's future growth depends on stable sources of power, and Canada is
very well-placed to fill this demand...We can help China develop its own energy mix for the future."
Day pointed out that Canada can also help China reach its climate-change goals. He said that Canada has developed significant expertise in the area of "green" energy and "we look forward to sharing our expertise with China."
He said China and Canada "can speak as partners because our long history of cooperation allows it." Prime Minister Harper's visit to China clearly demonstrated Canadian government's commitment to building on this foundation and working with Chinese partners to "unlock our relationship's full potential."
In concluding the article, Day pledged that Canadian government will "continue building a strong and durable partnership that will benefit
Chinese and Canadians alike in the years to come."