On Thursday, China and Canada agreed to view the energy sector
as priority areas for long-term cooperation.
A statement issued after a meeting between the Canadian prime
minister, Paul Martin, and Premier Wen
Jiabao said the two nations have "decided to work together to
promote cooperation in the oil and gas sector, including Canada's
oil sands, as well as in the uranium resources sector,"
They will also encourage businesses to expand partnerships, the
Statement on Energy Cooperation in the 21st Century said.
The National Development and Reform Commission and Natural
Resources Canada will maintain regular dialogue and exchanges of
views. Contacts will be conducted through the Canada-China Joint
Working Group on Energy Cooperation, under a 2001 memorandum of
understanding (MOU), the statement said.
"The work of the group will initially focus on enhancing our
partnership in the fields of multilateral cooperation, natural
resources and energy, and trade and investment," the document said.
It will also tackle global security, prosperity and sustainable
growth, as well as promote people-to-people ties.
"Significant development has been seen in our relationship in a
wide-range of areas during the past few years," said Wen, speaking
to a trade delegation of more than 300 entrepreneurs.
"There is a need for the two countries to deepen understanding,"
said Wen, adding that Canada has great advantages in energy and
minerals, while China has advantages in the production of
electrical appliances, daily necessities and electrical and
mechanical products.
"The Canadian business committee are here not for short-term
prospects... but for long-term cooperation," said Martin.
Amongst the other agreements made during Martin's visit, China's
Putian Corporation and Canada's Nortel signed a pact to set up a
joint venture for research and development, manufacture and sale of
3G mobile telecommunications equipment and products in China.
(China Daily January 21, 2005)