Statement made on 16 March 2010 by Senator Joseph Day
Hon. Joseph A. Day:
Honourable senators, last week we saw the beginning of celebrations marking the fortieth anniversary of relations between Canada and the People's Republic of China. There will be several events throughout the year to mark the occasion. The first event took place at the National Arts Centre with a wonderful evening of music presented by an orchestra of over 80 Chinese musicians playing traditional Chinese instruments.
On October 13, 1970, honourable senators, Canada officially recognized the People's Republic of China. In 1973, Pierre Elliott Trudeau became the first prime minister to pay an official visit to China, helping expand those fledgling Canada-China relations. With the foundation of diplomatic relations in place, the two countries turned to their economic relationship.
In 1973, Canada and China signed the Canada-Chinese Trade Agreement, which allowed for mutual extension of "most favoured nation" status. The same year, a Canadian trade fair was held in Beijing, attracting over 600 Canadian officials and business leaders.
It was the first such trade fair attended by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai. The two countries also established a joint economic and trade committee that provided a forum for discussions of economic and trade-related concerns.
By 2003, China had become Canada's second largest trading partner after the United States. In the decade 1993 to 2003, trade between Canada and the People's Republic of China increased fivefold.
China's economy has grown to be the second largest single-country economy in the world, next to the United States, recently surpassing that of Japan. China is also the world's largest single-country exporter in the world, having recently surpassed Germany in that regard.
China has weathered the economic downturn very well, posting an 8 per cent economic growth last year, while most other nations of the world have had negative growth. A strong Chinese economy presents great opportunities for Canada. This rapidly developing economy has always held Canada in special regard.
Prime Minister Harper and his cabinet have recognized the potential for Canada. Visits by the Prime Minister and several other cabinet ministers took place last year. Those visits resulted in a series of agreements and exchanges, and we have those visits to build on, honourable senators, in the year to come.
Honourable senators, many events will take place this year to recognize the fortieth year of relations between Canada and China, and I hope honourable senators will take the opportunity to help expand that relationship both culturally and economically as the year progresses.