China, Canada eye deeper energy, trade cooperation

China is willing to deepen cooperation with Canada in traditional sectors, including oil and gas, agricultural and aquatic products and consumer goods, while addressing bilateral trade differences through dialogue, said Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao.

During the 29th meeting of the China-Canada Joint Economic and Trade Commission in Beijing on Tuesday, co-chaired by Wang and Canadian Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, the Chinese commerce minister also called for expanding cooperation in emerging sectors, including new materials, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and smart agriculture.

Wang said recent bilateral trade consultations had yielded positive results, including the further extension of exemptions under a preliminary joint arrangement. He emphasized the importance of making full use of the China-Canada Joint Economic and Trade Commission mechanism to resolve trade differences, expand cooperation and advance the bilateral economic and trade cooperation roadmap.

Sidhu said Canada welcomes greater participation by Chinese companies in its modern agriculture, manufacturing, financial services and energy sectors.