Stephen Harper steps into forbidden territory (3 photos)

Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his wife Laureen are in China today, visiting the The Forbidden City.

The following statements were issued by Harper's office:

*************************** Prime Minister Stephen Harper heralds stronger cooperation with China

Canada opens new trade offices in China and invests in clean technology projects

SHANGHAI, CHINA - Speaking to the Canada China Business Council today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that four new Canadian commercial offices are now open for business in China. 

This makes Canada’s trade network there one of its largest anywhere in the world.

The Prime Minister also announced that Canada is investing in 19 new clean technology projects under the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate, including 14 projects in China.   The Prime Minister emphasized in today’s speech the importance of Canada and China working together on energy and clean technology and working with other G-20 partners to help ensure global economic recovery.

He stressed the need to remain committed to sustained economic stimulus, coordinated exit strategies and to fighting protectionism given the role trade plays in creating new opportunities for both countries.

“Pacific nations like Canada and China have much to gain by increased cooperation as the centre of gravity of the world economy swings toward the Pacific,” said the Prime Minister. “Now is the time to enhance and expand our relationship, to build upon our mutual successes, and to use the authority those successes have afforded us to set an example for others in the world.”

The Prime Minister also signaled Canada will continue to raise human rights while engaging in a more robust relationship with China. 

“Our government believes, and has always believed, that a mutually beneficial economic relationship is not incompatible with a good and frank dialogue on fundamental values like freedom, human rights and the rule of law,” said the Prime Minister. “In fact, in our experience they go hand in hand, increasingly so as economies progress.”

The four new commercial offices that are now officially open for business are in the rapidly growing business centres of Nanjing, Qingdao, Shenyang and Wuhan.

Two additional commercial offices in Chengdu and Shenzhen opened in September.

This brings to eleven the number of Canadian diplomatic and trade offices in China.

“Together, these offices will enhance our ability to support even more commercial links in exports, investment and innovation between our two countries,” added the Prime Minister. “This announcement is another concrete step our government is taking toward enhancing and expanding our economic ties with China.”

The 19 new clean technology projects that Canada is investing in include the design of green buildings for communities, research in solar and wind power, and the recovery of gas from landfills.

They demonstrate Canada’s commitment to help accelerate the development and deployment of clean technologies in emerging economies such as China.

China is Canada’s third largest export market and second largest merchandise trading partner.

Its economy is the world’s third largest.

There are also approximately 1.3 million Chinese-Canadians and China is Canada’s number one source of new citizens.

************************* Prime Minister Stephen harper announces Governor General invited to open the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games

OTTAWA - As Canada now counts the days until the opening of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that Michaëlle Jean, governor general of Canada, has been invited to officially open the Games.

“For the first time in Canadian history, we will proudly host the Paralympic Winter Games. The passion, dedication, and spirit of our athletes are an inspiration to all,” said the Prime Minister. “On behalf of all Canadians, I look forward to the Governor General officially opening the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Games.”

The Opening Ceremony will take place on March 12, 2010, in Vancouver, British Columbia. 

The Governor General will also officially open the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games on February 12, 2010.

Additional information on the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games can be found at http://www.canada2010.gc.ca and http://www.vancouver2010.com.

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