Minister McKenna to travel to China to advance partnership on climate action and clean growth

OTTAWA, Dec. 1, 2017 /CNW/ - The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, will depart tomorrow for a two-city visit to China, where she will accompany Prime Minister Trudeau to seek further cooperation with Chinese leaders, on climate change and clean growth.

While in China, the Minister will engage her counterparts to advance the Canada-China partnership and will lead a clean-technology trade mission with Canadian companies. The Minister will also help lead the annual general meeting of the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development as the international executive vice-chair and will launch a new ministerial dialogue on environmental cooperation. Canada is committed to providing leadership and working with its international partners to help move to a sustainable and resilient world.

Over 15 Canadian clean-technology companies will visit China as part of the trade mission to promote their products and explore partnership opportunities with Chinese companies. The companies, from across Canada, specialize in a wide range of areas, including clean air, water, and soil.

Canada and China have a long-standing relationship on the environment and climate change through various mechanisms: the Canada-China Climate Change Working Group, the Joint Committee on Environment Cooperation, and the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development, which serve as a strong foundation for greater collaboration on shared objectives, including the implementation of the Paris Agreement.

Quotes

"Canada is working with China to advance international action on climate change, foster a deeper trade relationship on clean technology, and strengthen sustainable development in China."
? Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"As the world's markets are becoming increasingly integrated and the global demand for clean technology and renewable energy is growing quickly, now is the time for Canadian businesses to consider expanding into the Asia Pacific. China is Canada's second-largest single-country merchandise partner, and this vast market offers tremendous opportunities for Canadian businesses and Canada's middle class."
? François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade

Quick Facts

• The China Council is comprised of more than 60 Chinese and international members drawn from world-leading experts to provide independent policy advice on China's environment and development challenges.
• In 2016, Canada and China agreed to make 2018 the Canada-China Year of Tourism, which includes initiatives to increase the flow of tourists and promote cultural activities.  

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SOURCE Environment and Climate Change Canada