An Ontario delegation visited four cities upon invitation in China – Shanghai, Nanjing, Chengdu and Beijing – from Jan 13 to 18.

Dalton McGuinty, premier of Ontario, and officials and delegates from Ontario's agricultural, food, green-building and wastewater treatment industries arrived in Chengdu on Jan 16.

The delegation's two-day trip to Chengdu aims to promote trade and investment cooperation in the agricultural and food industry, green-building and clean energy technologies.

"We heard much about Chengdu as a fast growing economy. It is becoming a center of economic growth, transportation and communication in China," said Premier McGuinty.

"We think we can do much together by way of partnerships, friendships, and business and cultural exchanges."

He mentioned Chengdu will make good use of clean energy technologies for solar, wind, water and geothermal power and water cleaning. The delegation also proposed the import of high quality Canadian food to Chengdu.

Premier Dalton was impressed by Sichuan food, giant pandas, and the traditional architecture in Chengdu. "There is a lot of exciting energy here, and it makes me want to come back."

As two pandas will soon be sent to Canada for a long-term trip, the premier gave his warm welcome. "Canadians are very proud to receive pandas," he said. The panda is a symbol of strong friendship between Chengdu and Ontario.