The Canadian government is seeking a major expansion in trade ties with China, International Trade Minister Stockwell Day told CTV's Question Period on Sunday.
Day, who leads a trade mission to China this week, said the aim is to create new business for Canadian companies.
"There are great opportunities for Canadian firms right across the board, certainly in building infrastructure, in our agriculture products, in machinery and equipment, and in many of the technologies that a developing nation like China would expect to need" Day said.
He noted that China's economy continues to grow even in this global downturn. And he said Canada will take advantage of this with the opening of six new trade offices in China.
Expanded trade, Day said, will help both economies.
"This is all about mutual benefits. And these offices across that huge nation are going to continue to advance the cause of not just the trade relationship but the overall human relationship between Canada and China", Day said.
The minister also played down reports of strained relations between Canada and China.
