Canada, China Pledge to Ramp Up Trade Cooperation, Weigh Possible FTA Talks

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang finished highly-anticipated meetings in Beijing this week, announcing “new joint partnerships” and a joint statement on climate change, while pledging to continue discussions over whether to launch negotiations for a free trade deal. The exploratory talks for the potential launch of formal trade talks began just over a year ago, with both sides confirming a goal to double trade between them by the year 2025. Since then, the trading partners have been conducting domestic preparations, which for Canada included public consultations with various stakeholders to help shape its negotiating objectives. (See Bridges Weekly, 26 September 2016 and 9 March 2017 ) “While in Beijing, Premier Li and I had discussions on a range of issues, from growing trade and investment, to combating climate change, to the importance of free expression. I look forward to continuing discussions towards a comprehensive trade agreement, which will open up greater opportunities for people on both sides of the Pacific,” said Trudeau after the meeting. Li said that the bilateral relationship is in the “golden age,” and urged continued cooperation between their economies. “China stands ready for an open and candid discussion toward a free...