Prime Minister Stephen Harper made the following remarks in Beijing, China:
”I would like to begin by thanking Premier Wen and the Chinese people for formally welcoming us to Beijing and for their hospitality this evening. Earlier today, the Premier and I had very productive bilateral talks.
“I am pleased to announce that Canada has reached a number of extremely important milestones in the development of our strategic partnership with China.
“First, and most importantly Canada and China have completed negotiations on a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement – an agreement Canadian governments have sought for almost 20 years. This Agreement is a historic step forward. When implemented, it will provide greater predictability and protection for Canadians seeking to do business in China.
“We have also signed agreements dealing with air transportation, agriculture, double taxation, energy, and science and technology.
“Our Government is pleased with the progress achieved today, and we look forward to continuing to strengthen our strategic partnership with China, while maintaining a frank and respectful dialogue on issues of human rights and the rule of law.”
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Canada and China STRENGTHEN STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP
BEIJING, CHINA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao today witnessed the signing of new joint initiatives and the renewal of existing bilateral initiatives between the two countries in the areas of energy, natural resources, education, science and technology, and agriculture.
“The rapidly increasing commercial, cultural and scholastic ties between our two countries are creating new jobs and economic growth that are benefitting Canadian families, businesses and communities,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The agreements being signed today, in such a wide range of areas, are further testimony that we are taking relations to the next level and further strengthening our strategic partnership.”
More specifically, the two leaders witnessed the signing of:
A Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Development of Natural Resources that will provide a platform to promote Canadian expertise, technologies and services in that area;
A renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Cooperation that will attract capital investment and improve access to Chinese markets for Canada’s energy resources, technology and related services; and,
Initiatives on agriculture that clear the way for immediate access to the lucrative Chinese beef tallow market and joint research that aims to create a stable trading environment with China for Canadian canola seed;
A statement of intent to launch two new calls for proposals for joint research and development projects under the Canada-China Framework Agreement for Cooperation on Science, Technology and Innovation, as well as the announcement of results for a previous call for project proposals;
A three-year renewal of the Memorandum of Understanding related to the Canada-China Scholars’ Exchange Program that will increase the eligibility criteria for Canadians to study in China; and
A Memorandum of Understanding on protected areas and parks that will provide a framework for Canada and China to collaborate and share their professional and scientific knowledge and experience in the management of national parks and nature reserves.
The Prime Minister also announced the conclusion of negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
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PMO Press Office 2/8/2012 |
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