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Prime Minister successfully concludes second official visit to China with keynote address at Fortune Global Forum

December 7, 2017
Guangzhou, China

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today wrapped up a successful second official visit to China. Over the last five days, the Prime Minister visited Beijing and Guangzhou, where he met with leaders in government and business, and focused on growing the Canada-China relationship through trade and investment.

The Prime Minister met with several government leaders, including His Excellency, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China, and His Excellency, Li Keqiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Together, they agreed to move forward on several initiatives to deepen bilateral ties, including continuing exploratory discussions towards a comprehensive trade agreement, issuing the Joint Statement of Climate Change and Clean Growth, and increasing market access for Canadian producers of beef and pork. Leaders also addressed important regional issues, including North Korea and Myanmar, and had a respectful discussion on continuing efforts to improve human rights and the rule of law in their respective countries.

The Prime Minister wrapped up his visit to China in Guangzhou at the Fortune Global Forum, which brought together multinational CEOs and the heads of China’s most important companies to discuss issues related to international commerce. At the forum, the Prime Minister delivered the keynote address, participated in an armchair discussion, and held several bilateral meetings with global business leaders. As the forum wrapped up, the Prime Minister announced that Canada will host the 2018 Fortune Global Forum. Throughout these engagements, the Prime Minister reiterated the importance of pursuing progressive trade deals and encouraged international investments in Canada.  

The Prime Minister also visited the Sina Corporation’s new headquarters where he highlighted the 2018 Canada-China Year of Tourism through a live event with Weibo, one of the largest social media platforms in Asia, and promoted Canada as a premier tourism destination.

The Prime Minister also participated in a roundtable with the Canadian founder and alumni of Educating Girls of Rural China, where they discussed the organization’s work to support the education of young girls in China. The Prime Minister took the opportunity to reaffirm Canada’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls around the world.

The Prime Minister also joined business leaders from major Canadian and Chinese companies from diverse sectors, including agriculture, finance, energy and natural resources, for a roundtable discussion on Canada-China Economic Relations.

The Prime Minister, along with members of the Canadian delegation, also took a moment to remember the victims of the École Polytechnique Montreal and reflect on the importance of eliminating gender-based violence in all its forms.

Quote

“A stronger relationship between Canada and China is essential to creating good jobs and new opportunities for middle class Canadians to succeed. We have made a lot of progress during this trip, and we will build on this momentum and continue exploratory discussions towards a comprehensive trade agreement between our two countries. We are committed to pursuing trade deals that benefit everyone and put people first.”

—Rt.  Hon.  Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada

Quick facts

• China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner, largest and fastest growing source market for international students, and third-largest source of tourists.
• Canada’s merchandise exports to China were almost $21 billion in 2016, an increase of four percent over 2015, with top exports being forest and agricultural products, copper and iron ores, and motor vehicles.
• In 2016, Canada and China agreed to designate 2018 the Canada-China Year of Tourism, which includes initiatives to increase the flow of tourists and promote cultural activities.
• The Fortune Global Forum attracted more than 45 CEOs from around the world, in addition to senior level executives, ambassadors, and current and former senior government officials.

Related products

• Canada announces new partnerships with China to grow shared prosperity
• Backgrounder: Canada-China Joint Initiatives and Agreements
• Joint Statement on Climate Change and Clean Growth
• Prime Minister Trudeau welcomes upcoming Canada-China Year of Tourism
• Prime Minister to strengthen bilateral and commercial ties on trip to China

Associated link

• Canada-China Relations
• Statement by the Prime Minister on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women
  
  December 6, 2017
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women:
  “Twenty-eight years ago, at l'École Polytechnique de Montréal, 14 young women were viciously murdered in a senseless and hateful act of violence. On the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, we mourn with their families and friends, and pay tribute to the women whose future was robbed from them.
  “The tragedy at l’École Polytechnique was a devastating reminder of what can happen when hatred and misogyny prevail. Yet almost thirty years on, gender-based violence continues to affect the daily lives of women and girls everywhere – in Canada and around the world.
  “This is unacceptable. We must find the courage to stand up and speak out against gender-based violence in all its forms. That means valuing the voices of women and girls, fighting the injustices and inequalities that put the most vulnerable women at the greatest risk of violence, and breaking down a culture that dismisses women’s worth – from Hollywood studios to the halls of Parliament. Every single one of us, no matter our gender identity, can and must be part of the solution to stop violence before it starts.
  “The Government of Canada is taking action through our Strategy to Prevent and Address Gender-Based Violence. This strategy – which includes nearly $100 million in funding over five years and $20 million per year on an ongoing basis – focuses on prevention, support for survivors and their families, and responsive legal and justice systems. We are also investing in the construction and renovation of shelters and transition houses for victims of family violence. Our work to promote women’s leadership in government and business, and to prioritize gender equality in our decision-making at home and abroad, is part of a cultural shift towards valuing women’s voices.
  “As we mourn with the loved ones of the women so senselessly lost, I invite all Canadians to reflect on how each of us can help eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls. Our actions matter. Each of us has the power to make our world more just and more gender-equal. Today, let us move forward together to build a future where everyone’s rights are protected, and everyone’s voices are heard.”
• 
  
  Statement by the Prime Minister on the 100th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion
  
  December 6, 2017
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the 100^th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion:
  “Today, we mark the 100^th anniversary of the Halifax Explosion.
  “On the morning of December 6, 1917, in the midst of the First World War, the munitions ship SS Mont-Blanc and the freighter SSImo collided in the narrows of Halifax Harbour. The SS Mont-Blanc caught fire and erupted in an explosion that levelled the north end of Halifax – changing the city forever.
  “It was the largest human-made explosion before the atomic bomb, and remains one of the deadliest disasters in Canadian history. Nearly 2,000 people were killed in the blast, including hundreds of children. Thousands more were gravely injured. Half the city’s population was left without shelter in the immediate aftermath.
  “The tragedy devastated Halifax, but Nova Scotians, like Vincent Coleman, responded with resilience and courage. A railway dispatcher, Coleman gave his life to warn incoming trains of the danger. Soldiers, sailors, police, firefighters, and hundreds of civilians rushed to the disaster zone to help the injured and rescue those trapped under debris. Communities across the province and country offered support, and help poured in from friends beyond our borders – from Massachusetts to Australia. Together, Nova Scotians recovered, rebuilt, and emerged stronger than before.
  “On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite Canadians to honour the memory of the victims of this terrible tragedy and those who came to Halifax’s aid. As the 150^th anniversary of Confederation draws to a close, let us reflect on this powerful example of Canadians overcoming hardship and tragedy with perseverance and compassion.”
• 
  
  Reminder - Itinerary for Thursday, December 7, 2017
  
  December 6, 2017
  Ottawa, Ontario
  
  
  Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Thursday, December 7, 2017:
  All times local.
  8:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will visit the Chen Clan Academy. 
  Chen Clan Academy
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity
  10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an armchair discussion at the Fortune Global Forum entitled “Global Leadership: The View from Canada,” moderated by Nancy Gibbs.  
  Guangzhou Ballroom, 3^rd Floor
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
  11:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.  
  Auditorium, 3^rd Floor
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
  12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President and CEO of Konica Minolta, Shoei Yamana. 
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  1 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chairman and CEO of Baxter International, Joe Almeida.
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the CEO of Cisco Systems, Charles Robbins. 
  Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
  Note for media:
  • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
  • Reminder - Itinerary for December 6 and 7, 2017
    
    December 5, 2017
    Ottawa, Ontario
    
    

    Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Wednesday, December 6, 2017:

    All times local. 
    9:15 a.m. The Prime Minister will meet with Vice Premier of the People’s Republic of China, Wang Yang.
    Bai Yun Room, 1^st Floor
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    10 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in the Fortune Global Forum opening ceremony and special session.
    Pearl River Ballroom, Ground Floor
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Open coverage for Fortune Global Forum (FGF) accredited media
    10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will deliver a keynote address at the Fortune Global Forum.
    Pearl River Ballroom, Ground Floor
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
    12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Executive Chairman of the Ford Motor Company, William Ford Jr.
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    1 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the founder of Alibaba, Jack Ma.
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    2 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the co-founder of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co, Henry Kravis.
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    2:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chairman of Midea Group, Paul Fang.
    Shangri-La Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    4 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Party Secretary of Guangdong province, Li Xi.  
    Foreign Affairs Club, Shamian Island
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    6 p.m. The Prime Minister will participate in a commemorative ceremony for the victims of the École Polytechnique de Montréal.
    Consulate General of Canada
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity

    Itinerary for the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, for Thursday, December 7, 2017:

    8:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will visit the Chen Clan Academy. 
    Chen Clan Academy
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity
    10:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will participate in an armchair discussion at the Fortune Global Forum entitled “Global Leadership: The View from Canada,” moderated by Nancy Gibbs.  
    Guangzhou Ballroom, 3^rd Floor
    Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
    11:30 a.m. The Prime Minister will hold a media availability.  
    Auditorium, 3^rd Floor
    Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Open coverage for FGF accredited media
    12:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the President and CEO of Konica Minolta, Shoei Yamana. 
    Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    1 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the Chairman and CEO of Baxter International, Joe Almeida.
    Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting
    1:30 p.m. The Prime Minister will meet with the CEO of Cisco Systems, Charles Robbins. 
    Shangri-la Guangzhou Hotel
    Note for media:
    • Pooled photo opportunity at the beginning of the meeting