Canada and China have struck a number of trade deals, including one that would allow Ottawa sell uranium to Beijing for energy generation.
In all, 23 deals worth $3 billion were signed between the business communities of the two countries in Beijing since Tuesday, when Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper began his five-day China tour aimed at attracting Chinese investment in Canadian natural resources, as well as shifting the focus of energy sales toward Asia.
The two countries seek deeper relations in bilateral trade, which has tripled since 2001 to just under $60 billion in 2010, making China Canada's second-largest trading partner.
The energy deal allows Canadian uranium producers more access to China's civilian nuclear power industry, Harper's office said in a statement. It did not elaborate on the agreements.
Cameco, one of the largest producers of uranium, is to sell the material from its Canadian projects into China, the world's fastest growing market for nuclear power generation input.
The Saskatchewan-based company on Thursday reported a strong fourth quarter—record revenue and gross profit from its nuclear business.
Deals in aviation, telecommunications, technology, education, forestry, agriculture and finance sectors were also signed by Chinese and Canadian companies.
After two days of meetings in Beijing, Harper heads to the southern province of Guangdong and the southwest municipality of Chongqing.
During their meeting in the Great Hall of the People on Thursday, Chinese President Hu Jintao and Harper agreed to further facilitate the bilateral strategic partnership and promote greater progress of cooperation in diversified areas.
Earlier in the day, Harper met with Vice-Premier Li Keqiang, who is widely expected to succeed Premier Wen Jiabao in a power transfer.
Keqiang said "never before has China-Canada business co-operation been so deep based and wide ranging" and added there was still "a long way to go" before the relationship achieved its potential, particularly when it comes to energy.
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December 26, 2025 08:42 ET Third quarter economic growth data from some major economies including the U.S. were the main news in this holiday shortened week. GDP growth and industrial production data from the U.S. helped to boost morale, while the consumer confidence survey results were less upbeat. In Europe, the quarterly economic growth data from the U.K. drew attention, while the minutes of the Australian central bank’s latest policy session was in focus in Asia.