China, Canada sign energy agreements By Jiang Zhuqing (China Daily) Updated: 2005-01-21 02:55
China and Canada agreed yesterday to take on the energy sector -- oil and
gas, nuclear energy, energy efficiency and cleaner energy -- as "priority areas"
of long-term mutual co-operation.
Premier Wen Jiabao (second right) and visiting Canadian Prime
Minister Paul Martin (third right) talk during a signing ceremony at the
Great Hall of the People yesterday. The two sides signed a joint statement
to improve co-operation in international affairs, and a dozen other
agreements and memoranda of
understanding.
"China and Canada have decided to
work together to promote co-operation in the oil and gas sector, including
Canada's oil sands, as well as in the uranium resources sector," a statement
issued yesterday during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin to
China said.
The two nations will encourage respective enterprises to expand commercial
partnerships, the Statement on Energy Co-operation in the 21st Century
indicated.
The National Development and Reform Commission and Natural Resources Canada
will maintain regular dialogue and exchanges of views. Contacts will be
conducted through the Canada-China Joint Working Group on Energy Co-operation,
under a 2001 memorandum of understanding (MOU) concerning co-operation in
energy, the statement said.
The nations are promising to uplift their relationship to a new level by
"focusing their efforts strategically in areas of greatest mutual advantage," a
joint statement issued after a meeting between Premier Wen Jiabao and his
Canadian counterpart Paul Martin said.
The sides have agreed upon a outline for the activities of a strategic
working group that will try to identify and develop paths for broadening ties.
"The work of the group will initially focus on enhancing our partnership in
the fields of multilateral co-operation, natural resources and energy, and trade
and investment," the document said. It will also tackle global security and
multilateral co-operation, prosperity and sustainable growth, as well as promote
people-to-people ties.
"Significant development has been seen in our relationship in a wide-range of
areas during the past few years," said Wen, when speaking to an a trade
delegation of more than 300 entrepreneurs.
"There is a need for the two countries to deepen understanding between each
other," said Wen, adding that Canada has great advantages in energy and
minerals, while China has advantages in the production of electrical appliances,
daily necessities and electrical and mechanical products.
The Canadian Prime Minister said Canada wishes to strengthen co-operation in
natural resources, investment and other fields.
"The Canadian business committee are here not for short-term prospects... but
for a long-term co-operation," said Martin.
A total of 13 statements, agreements and MOUs were signed between China and
Canada, on co-operation in energy and minerals, culture, telecommunications and
other sectors.
For example, China's Putian Corporation and Canada's Nortel signed a pact to
set up a joint venture for research and development, manufacture and sale of 3G
mobile telecommunications equipment and products in China.
"It signals a new level of co-operation between Putian and Canada's Nortel,"
said Xing Wei, president of Putian.
"It will position us to capitalize on the tremendous opportunities presented
by China's rapidly growing wireless industry and significantly accelerate the
internationalization of our 3G (third generation mobiles) offerings," Xing
said.
