The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, met today with He Lifeng, Vice-Premier of the People's Republic of China, on the margins of the China International Consumer Products Expo (CICPE) in Haikou.
Minister Sidhu expressed Canada's appreciation to Vice-Premier He Lifeng for Canada's designation as the Guest Country of Honour at the CICPE, noting strong interest from Canadian companies and the value of the platform for expanding bilateral trade.
Minister Sidhu communicated the importance Canada attaches to pragmatic and constructive engagement with China, including in the context of the new strategic partnership between the two countries. Minister Sidhu noted that he looks forward to reinvigorating the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue with the Vice-Premier. He also emphasized Canada's commitment to having a continued dialogue with China, including on areas of economic and trade interest to Canadians.
Minister Sidhu and Vice-Premier He Lifeng reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the positive momentum in Canada-China relations and on continuing to advance economic cooperation in areas of shared interest.