CCTV9英语新闻：Deepening China-Canada cooperation benefits local businesses

China and Canada have a long history of cooperation in science, trade, and agriculture. The Deputy Minister of Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food, Andrea Lyon, along with 67 delegates from government and industrial sectors, are in China’s southwest city of Chongqing seeking agricultural cooperation.

This is the most comprehensive Canadian agricultural delegation ever to visit southwest China. These Canadian-produced ginsengs will hit the Chinese market across the country and they will be available in supermarkets and pharmacies.

A Chinese pharmaceutical company based in Chongqing started importing Canadian-produced ginseng a decade ago, and now covers 95 percent of the Chinese market. The company’s CEO says they have seen the growing demand and this has encouraged them to look into new marketing strategies.

"In addition to importing ginseng produce, we have also imported sugar-free honey to the Chinese market from Canada. As more agricultural products will be introduced to the Chinese market, we realized we need to make a breakthrough in the marketing area."

"In the age of the 'plus Internet' , selling agricultural products on-line will also benefit our Chinese consumers with cheaper prices and high quality," said Qiu Yu, Chairman of Chongqing Lummy Pharmaceutial Co.

One of the largest Canadian food companies is also looking for partners in China. Together they have built an e-commerce website focused on online trade between Canadian and Chinese agricultural producers.

At present, they have dozens of producers trading actively on-line. Benjamin Liang, president and CEO of Canada Food Import and Export Incorporated, says it will significantly benefit the consumers in China as the price will be much lower.

"I think both governments have been working together, ever since the APEC meeting last year, both governments signed the currency clearance mechanism."

"I was glad to be invited and witnessed the opening ceremony in march in 2015 which means from now on we trade between Canadian dollars and RMB directly no need to trade through US dollars. I think it is a great benefit," said Benjamin Liang, President & CEO of Canada Food Import and Export Inc.

In addition to promoting agriculture, more delegations are exploring business opportunities with Chinese buyers. The largest Canadian agriculture food trading fair is being held in Chongqing.

Delegates from both China and Canada are searching for possibilities to import and export agricultural produces like grains, seafood, health products, oilseeds, fruits, table wines, and canola oil.

"We think there are tremendous opportunities for Canadian seafood and beverages and agricultural products in the Chinese market, we know the Chinese market is demanding a high quality product, we know the Chinese market is very sensitive about food safety, I think we meet all the requirement."

"We also bring a close attention and rigid regulations with respect to food safety and food production, we have long established science and technology so I think all of these forge Canada a competitive in the Chinese market," said Andrea Lyon, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada.

This year marks 45 years of diplomatic relations between China and Canada. During a meeting at the end of last year, Canadian Prime Minister Steven Harper and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed to deepen relations and trade cooperation.

China is Canada’s second-largest market for its agricultural products, seafood and beverages. Their trade in 2014 reached 5.3 billion Canadian dollars or about 26 billion yuan.

Chongqing is the strategic intersection of the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Silk Road Economic Belt. In 2014, according to the government data, Chongqing's GDP totaled 1.4 trillion yuan, up 10.9 percent compared to the previous year, and its GDP growth rate was top-ranked nationwide.

The total amount of its imports and exports reached 95.5 billion US dollars, and total amount of foreign investment reached 10.63 billion, which was first in southwest China.