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PM marks 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China
13 October 2010
Ottawa, Ontario
CHECK AGAINST DELIVERYThank you, Linda Hughes. I also want to give my special thanks to the sponsors of this commemoration of the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Canada and China, an event which is actually of great historic significance to both of our countries. It was really the beginning of what would prove to be a new era for both of our countries.
I also want to begin by noting that Ambassador Lan will be leaving us shortly. He has served with great distinction here for the past couple of years. It has been a delight to work with you, Ambassador, as a representative of your government, and I know all Canadians wish you all the best on your return to China and your future career.
Ambassador, colleagues from the Parliament of Canada, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
I have many unforgettable memories of my visit to China last year. Looking back on a very busy and productive tour, two moments in Shanghai stand out in my mind. First, Laureen and I visited what’s called the Yu Market in Shanghai, and stopped in at a shop long specializing in varieties of tea. Later, from the privacy of our hotel room, we were able to step outside at a very high elevation and take in a good view of the city’s enormous and futuristic skyline.
I was struck by the contrast between those two things, between the traditional and the super modern. It is one of the many signs of China’s richness, its magnificent cultural heritage and its vast future potential.
Today's anniversary commemorates our heritage and our common potential. It is an opportunity to celebrate not only 40 years of diplomatic relations, but also a burgeoning partnership and a brilliant future for our two countries.
As you know, we were delighted to host President Hu here in Ottawa in June prior to Toronto’s G20 summit. At the dinner in his honour, I noted that the friendship tree that he planted at Rideau Hall five years ago is healthy and growing. In the years since it was planted, we have made remarkable progress working together for the benefit of both of our countries. Our government has made some 30 ministerial level visits to China and there have been three such visits in recent weeks alone.
China has become Canada's second-largest trading partner in goods, and its third-largest export market. Canadian exports to China have grown by $4 billion, and ladies and gentlemen, our total two-way trade is now valued at close to $51 billion. Who would have guessed that 40 years ago?
Last year in Beijing, President Hu and I signed agreements on climate change, mineral resources, culture and agricultural education. We also managed to open up Chinese markets to Canadian ports.
And I’m especially pleased to say that on that particular visit, we achieved something that Canadian governments had sought for more than a decade, a change which will give a huge boost to our Canadian tourism industry, and that was the granting of Approved Destination Status for Canada.
This summer in Ottawa, President Hu and I signed other agreements on tourism, environmental protection, energy conservation and law enforcement. We also agreed to increase our bilateral trade to $60 billion by 2015.
President Hu and I were also able to announce that China has granted staged access to Canadian beef as well as important concessions on canola, which are welcome and extremely important developments to our industry. In other words, in the context of global economic developments, it is clearer than ever that the strategic partnership between Canada and China has never been more promising.
Our countries have both performed relatively well in the global recession, and we have been on the same side and the right side in the crucial deliberations of the G20 over the past two years.
As the global economic centre of gravity moves toward the Pacific, we are in an ideal position to work together and reap mutual benefits.
China needs a stable source of energy to fuel its continuing growth. Canada is an emerging energy superpower.
Chinese companies look for the best places to do business. Canada has low and falling tax rates, a low debt-to-GDP ratio and an environment that is welcoming of foreign investment.
Chinese exporters seek fast and efficient access to North American markets.
The Canadian ports of Vancouver and Prince Rupert are two to three days closer to major Asian ports than their American rivals.
And ladies and gentlemen, Canada has committed more than a billion dollars to its Pacific coast trade infrastructure. In other words, we are providing the fastest way for Asian exporters to reach the heart of the North American marketplace right here in Canada.
The friendship between Canada and China has also grown in recent years in the context of a frank and respectful dialogue on the universal principles of human rights and the rule of law.
As I said last year in Shanghai, that dialogue is not a barrier to economic cooperation; indeed, in our experience, the two go hand in hand. They strengthen each other and make both partners stronger in return. As with all anniversaries, ladies and gentlemen, today we celebrate our achievements and look forward to many happy returns.
As you know, last week Ambassador Lan and Minister Baird joined civic and community leaders in opening the Chinatown Gateway here in Ottawa. This beautiful structure, the newest monument of our nation’s capital, will remind all of us of our shared history. As we celebrate this milestone, let it also inspire us to move forward in friendship for the mutual benefit of our two great countries.
Thank you, xie xie.
