Premiers Conclude Successful Mission to China

BEIJING, Oct. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - Canada's Premiers today announced the conclusion of their successful 2014 joint mission to China.

Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne, and Québec Premier Philippe Couillard met with several senior Chinese political leaders in Beijing including:

• Jiang Daming, China's Minister of Land and Resources, and discussed joint projects between China's natural resource sector and Canadian provinces.
• Huang Shuhe, Vice Chairman of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and discussed key sectors for collaboration between Canada and China.
• Tong Daochi, China's Assistant Minister of Commerce, where Premiers learned more about China's short and long-term economic prospects.
• Wan Gang, China's Minister of Science and Technology, where the Premiers discussed provincial strengths in research and science, as well as opportunities to enhance cooperation between research institutions.

Premiers also participated in the 36^th Canada-China Business Council AGM and Policy Conference where they spoke about opportunities for investing in Canada, and met with several prominent Chinese investors.

"I am very pleased with the success of this mission," said Prince Edward Island Premier Robert Ghiz, Chair of the Council of the Federation. "By fostering mutually beneficial political and business relationships with our Chinese counterparts, we can improve Sino-Canadian trade and in turn create more jobs for Canadians."

"I am honoured to be here with my fellow Premiers," said Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne. "We have made valuable new connections that will strengthen the political and business collaboration between China and Canada."

"This mission was a great success for the entire delegation," said Québec Premier Philippe Couillard. "Our presence in China demonstrates that by working together, provinces can accomplish great things. We have a talented and creative population that is capable of responding to the growing needs of a country like China. This is why I am so optimistic about the future partnerships we can build in the interest of all."

The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships between governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.

 

SOURCE: Canada's Premiers

Guy Gallant, Office of the Premier, Prince Edward Island, 902-368-4400, [email protected]; Lindsay de Leeuw, Council of the Federation Secretariat, 613-851-5978, [email protected]