Top legislator Wu Bangguo has called for closer Sino-Canadian trade cooperation during his meeting with Canadian officials in Vancouver. Wu made a stop-over in Canada on Monday, prior to his official visits to Cuba, the Bahamas and the United States.

Wu Bangguo received a warm welcome from Canadian Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day upon his arrival.

During their meeting, Wu hailed the growth of the bilateral relationship. He said the two countries share common interests on many issues, such as tackling the global financial crisis.

He also said China is willing to work with Canada to develop bilateral ties, respect one another's key concerns, and handle sensitive issues between the two sides.

Wu stressed that sound political ties will help inject vitality into trade relations.

He suggest the two countries should expand cooperation in various fields and promote mutual investment, especially for large-scale projects.

For his part, Day said Canada and China share a long tradition of working together, and have increasing opportunities to cooperate. He hoped to strengthen cooperation with China in fields such as infrastructure construction, energy exploration, scientific innovation and tourism.

Later, Wu Bangguo met the Premier of Canada's British Columbia Province, Gordon Campbell. The Canadian province has actively engaged in trade cooperation and cultural exchanges with China in recent years.

Wu said he hoped British Columbia will use its scientific edge and resource advantage to cooperate with Chinese provinces in forestry, fisheries and mining industries, as well as high-tech industries.

Gordon Campbell said his province will continue to deepen cooperation with Chinese provinces, and play an active role to promote China-Canada relations.

(CCTV September 2, 2009)