Prime Minister Stephen Harper will lead a trade mission in China beginning November 5.
The PM will meet with the president and the premier of the People’s Republic of China November 8 to 10 in Beijing, after meeting with Chinese government officials in Hangzhou November 7 and 8.
The federal government said the goal of the visit is to promote Canada as “a resource-rich, technologically sophisticated and globally-engaged country which is open to investment.”
“As the world’s second-largest economy and Canada’s second-largest single-country trading partner, China represents tremendous opportunities for Canada,” Harper said.
Included in the mission will be Canadian business representatives from several sectors, including energy, forestry, clean-tech and agri-food. Minister of Foreign Affairs John Baird, Minister of International Trade Ed Fast, Minister of Industry James Moore and Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong will also be present.
In 2013, Canadian exports to China reached $20.5 billion, which represents 7.7% of Canada’s total merchandise exports.
