Premier Li targets trade with Canada

Premier Li Keqiang told Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in a telephone call on Monday night that China is willing to work with Canada in promoting trade liberalization and investment facilitation, and strengthening cooperation in fields such as clean energy and the environment.

The two countries have launched an economic and financial strategic dialogue, and the third round of free-trade zone feasibility studies is also to begin soon, Li told Trudeau during the call.

He said that China is willing to accelerate an alignment with Canada's development strategies, deepening cooperation in fields such as trade, investment and agriculture, as well as boosting cooperation in third-party markets.

Trudeau said his country would like to expand cooperation with China in various fields, and that Canada is also willing to enhance exchanges in tourism and other fields when strengthening communication and coordination of international affairs with China.

On climate change, Li said China is striving for green, low-emission and sustainable development, which is needed for domestic economic transformation and also is a responsibility for China to fulfill a common destiny with other countries. China will work with other countries, including Canada, to cope with challenges and better carry out the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations, he said.

Trudeau said he appreciates China's stance on climate change and the role that the world's second-largest economy has played. Canada will increase exchanges with China in this area, he said.