Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien had started "a new phase of promoting bilateral friendship," said Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in Beijing Wednesday.

Wen made the remark at a reception here marking the 25th anniversary of the Canada-China Business Council (CCBC).

Wen said Chretien was a "record breaker," as he had visited China six times during his three terms as prime minister, met 16 times with Chinese leaders and had twice led huge business delegations to China.

Wen said they had good discussions, finding they had much common ground and both cared much about bilateral economic cooperation.

Some 25 years ago bilateral trade volume was no more than US$200 million, while last year it reached 8 billion and it would be much more this year, said Wen.

China had vast potential in absorbing foreign direct investment. Wen called on Canadian firms to seize the opportunity to participate in China's economic construction.

Wen commended the work of the CCBC in promoting Sino-Canadian relations and hoped it would continue its efforts.
 
Wen makes proposals on boosting Sino-Canadian ties
 
Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao raised a three-point proposal Wednesday on promoting friendly cooperation between China and Canada.

In talks with visiting Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien, Wen proposed keeping the momentum of frequent exchanges of high-level visits and enhancing the existing consultation mechanism in political, economic and other fields, so as to increase mutual understanding and mutual political trust.

He suggested the two sides should further tap the potential to strengthen bilateral cooperation in energy, environmental protection, telecommunications, insurance and agriculture.

The two sides should also strengthen consultation and coordination in international and regional organizations, so as to help safeguard world peace and promote common development, Wen said.

Chretien agreed with the premier's proposal, expressing the hope that the bilateral trade volume would double in seven years.

Chretien said Canada expected to enhance cooperation with China in such fields as energy, insurance, environment protection and agriculture.

Canada welcomed more Chinese people to travel or pursue their education, said the prime minister.

Both leaders hailed the expansion of cooperation in various fields.

Wen said Sino-Canadian relations had enjoyed a sound development momentum in the past decade and political relations had become increasingly closer. Bilateral trade volume had registered a 300 percent increase in the period, he said.

Friendly cooperation in various fields had brought obvious benefits to both countries and their people, he said.

Despite differences in the cultural traditions, historical backgrounds and social systems, the two countries had friendly cooperation in various fields, he said.

As long as they respected each other, treated other equally and sought common ground while reserving differences, relations were sure to develop steadily, Wen said.

The consensus on building an all-around cooperative partnership had laid a solid foundation for the sustainable development of ties in the new century, Wen said.

Chretien expressed satisfaction over the development of cooperation in various fields and the increasing friendship between the two peoples.

The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues.

After the talks, the two leaders attended a ceremony for the signing of three cooperation agreements on environment protection, academic exchanges, maternity and child care and sustainable agricultural development.

Prior to the talks, Wen hosted a welcoming ceremony in honor of Chretien, who arrived in Beijing Tuesday for a four-day official visit as Wen's guest.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2003)