Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi said on Friday, 29 May ’26, that Canada may surpass its goal of increasing exports to China by 200% in another 4 years by ’30. This was during a meeting with Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
Wang opined that he thought Canada’s exports to China may increase by 100%. The goal was to build on trade momentum between the 2 countries.
During the meeting, Anand stated that Canada is prioritizing economic growth in addition to diversifying its trading relationships. She added that the Canadian-Chinese economic relationship is significant.
Wang’s on a 3-day visit to Canada. It’s the first by a Chinese foreign minister in a decade. It’s also the latest step in improving ties. On Friday afternoon, 29 May, Wang shook hands with Prime Minister Mark Carney ahead of a private meeting.
In a statement issued after the meeting with the Canadian premier, Anand’s office said that the 2 leaders discussed a wide range of topics. This included trade and human rights, as well as foreign interference. The meeting with the premier was described as having progressed in a frank and constructive manner.
Anand’s office went on to add that both ministers reiterated the importance of sustaining stable as well as reliable channels of communication at all levels. It was also shared that it is intended to deepen cooperation & remove irritants where possible.
Canada & China struck an initial trade deal in January ’26. This was to slash tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) besides Canola. This was when Carney became the 1st Canadian prime minister to visit China in nearly a decade back in ’17.
China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner. Carney has sought a reduction in Canada’s overwhelming reliance on the United States (U.S.). This was after it became a target of tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Amidst an ongoing trade war with the U.S., Carney has vowed to double Canadian exports to other markets during the next decade. He has already signed more than 20 economic deals, besides security deals, during the last year.
