January 16, 2026
Beijing, People’s Republic of China
In a more divided and uncertain world, Canada is building a stronger, more independent, and more resilient economy. To that end, Canada’s new government is working with urgency and determination to diversify our trade partnerships and catalyse massive new levels of investment. As the world’s second-largest economy, China presents enormous opportunities for Canada in this mission.
To forge a new Canada-China partnership, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, visited Beijing, the People’s Republic of China, this week. This marked the first visit to China by a Canadian Prime Minister since 2017. In Beijing, Prime Minister Carney met with the President of China, Xi Jinping, the Premier of China, Li Qiang, and the Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China, Zhao Leji. After their meeting, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi released a joint statement outlining the pillars of Canada and China’s new strategic partnership.
Central to this new partnership is an agreement to collaborate in energy, clean technology, and climate competitiveness. Canada and China are both energy superpowers focused on expanding two-way energy cooperation – reducing emissions and scaling up investments in batteries, solar, wind, and energy storage. While in Beijing, the Prime Minister met business leaders in energy and clean technology to identify and accelerate Chinese investment opportunities in Canada.
To help deliver the full potential of these partnerships, and build up our domestic manufacturing sector, Canada will allow up to 49,000 Chinese electric vehicles (EV) into the Canadian market, with the most-favoured-nation tariff rate of 6.1%. This amount corresponds to volumes in the year prior to recent trade frictions on these imports (2023-2024), representing less than 3% of the Canadian market for new vehicles sold in Canada. It is expected that within three years, this agreement will drive considerable new Chinese joint-venture investment in Canada with trusted partners to protect and create new auto manufacturing careers for Canadian workers, and ensure a robust build-out of Canada’s EV supply chain. With this agreement, it is also anticipated that, in five years, more than 50% of these vehicles will be affordable EVs with an import price of less than $35,000, creating new lower-cost options for Canadian consumers.
Agri-food and trade are foundations of the longstanding relationship between Canada and China – and China continues to be our second-largest export market. To renew and strengthen that relationship, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi secured a preliminary agreement-in-principle with landmark measures to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs:
- By March 1, 2026, Canada expects that China will lower tariffs on Canadian canola seed to a combined rate of approximately 15%. China is a $4 billion canola seed market for Canadian producers, and this change represents a significant drop from current combined tariff levels of approximately 85%.
- Canada expects that Canadian canola meal, lobsters, crabs, and peas will not be subject to relevant anti-discrimination tariffs from March 1, 2026, until at least the end of this year.
Together, these results will help unlock nearly $3 billion in export orders for Canadian workers and businesses as they realise the full potential of the massive Chinese market of 1.4 billion people.
Finally, to build on this momentum, Canada has set an ambitious goal to increase exports to China by 50% by 2030. To achieve this outcome, Prime Minister Carney and President Xi discussed increasing two-way investment in clean energy and technology, agri-food, wood products, and other sectors.
Canada and China are both strong advocates of multilateralism. As a key pillar of this partnership, we will deepen our engagement on improved global governance. We will collaborate closely in key areas of shared interest, including climate competitiveness and financial and macroeconomic stability. Canada looks forward to contributing to China’s 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Presidency and appreciates China’s support for Canada’s bid to host the 2029 Summit.
Canada and China will also pursue pragmatic and constructive engagement in public safety and security. Our law enforcement agencies will increase cooperation to better combat narcotics trafficking, transnational and cybercrime, synthetic drugs and money laundering – and create safer communities for people in both of our countries.
They will also explore further opportunities for cultural exchanges and partnerships, including supporting museums, digital content creators, visual artists – to increase travel exchanges and cultural ties. Prime Minister Carney welcomed the agreement between Destination Canada and China Media Group to facilitate further outbound tourism to Canada, especially as we prepare to co-host the FIFA World Cup 26™. The Prime Minister welcomed President Xi’s commitment to introducing visa-free access for Canadians travelling to China.
The Prime Minister’s visit to Beijing was the culmination of constructive, pragmatic engagement with the Chinese government over many months by the Prime Minister, members of his cabinet and caucus, and other officials. The Prime Minister looks forward to returning to China for the 2026 APEC Leaders’ Summit.
Quote
“At its best, the Canada-China relationship has created massive opportunities for both our peoples. By leveraging our strengths and focusing on trade, energy, agri-food, and areas where we can make huge gains, we are forging a new strategic partnership that builds on the best of our past, reflects the world as it is today, and benefits the people of both our nations.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- This was Prime Minister Carney’s first official visit to the People’s Republic of China.
- With this new trade agreement, Canada also expects to see a resolution of many long-term trade obstacles for a range of important agricultural sectors, from beef to pet food.
- During the Prime Minister’s visit, Canada and China secured new memorandums of understanding (MOUs) to reinforce cooperation on energy, combatting crime, cultural exchanges, wood products, and food safety and animal and plant health.
- The MOUs will strengthen both nations’ abilities to drive the global transition toward a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy, expand investment, and create high-paying careers. These are where Canadian industries and workers stand to benefit.
- China is the second-largest single-country trading partner to Canada, totalling $118.9 billion in two-way merchandise trade in 2024. Canadian merchandise exports to China were $30 billion, while merchandise imports were $88.9 billion.
- China is Canada's second-largest customer globally for agriculture, forest products, and seafood products, with sales of approximately $13.4 billion in 2024.
- This visit marked a turning point in the Canada-China relationship and builds on productive engagements undertaken this past year to advance cooperation and revitalise the trade partnership. These engagements include:
- Prime Minister Carney’s first meetings with President Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Meeting in Gyeongju, the Republic of Korea, and with Premier Li at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York City, United States of America.
- The participation of Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois, in a trade delegation to China, led by the Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe.
- A visit to China by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand, to meet with her counterpart, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of China, Wang Yi.
- A meeting between the Minister of International Trade, Maninder Sidhu, and the Minister of Commerce of China, Wang Wentao.
- A visit to China by the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Heath MacDonald, to engage with senior government officials and meet with key Chinese and Canadian industry leaders.
Related products
- Joint statement of the Canada-China Leaders' Meeting
- Backgrounder - Preliminary Agreement-In-Principle to Address Economic and Trade Issues between Canada and the People's Republic of China
- Canada-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap
- Prime Minister Carney meets with Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China Zhao Leji
- Prime Minister Carney meets with Premier of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang
January 16, 2026
Beijing, China
- At the invitation of His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, the Right Honourable Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada, paid an official visit to China from 14-17 January 2026. During the visit, His Excellency Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China, met with Prime Minister Carney. Premier Li Qiang held talks with Prime Minister Mark Carney. His Excellency Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also met with Prime Minister Mark Carney. Leaders exchanged views on Canada-China relations, as well as regional and international issues of common interest in an in-depth, pragmatic and constructive manner.
- Leaders reaffirmed the principles and policies that have guided Canada-China relations. Canada reaffirmed its long-standing commitment to its One China policy. The two sides committed to advancing the Canada-China new Strategic Partnership in the spirit of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit to bring more positive outcomes to both peoples.
Leaders welcomed the progress made in recent bilateral dialogues. They committed to strengthening exchanges at all levels and to advancing outcomes in the following areas:
Macroeconomic engagement: The two sides decided to reinvigorate the high-level Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue (EFSD) to discuss wide ranging related issues to strengthen bilateral economic relations.
Economic and trade cooperation: Leaders committed to strengthening the economic and trade partnership between Canada and China and welcomed progress in the negotiations to resolve trade issues. The two sides committed to expanding bilateral trade, strengthening two-way investment, and deepening cooperation in diverse sectors of mutual interest. The two sides reaffirmed the importance of a fair and open business environment for enterprises of both countries, and committed to addressing economic and trade issues of mutual concern through constructive consultation, including through a renewed Canada-China Joint Economic and Trade Commission (JETC). Leaders welcomed the signing of the Canada-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap, and instructed officials to advance the work related to the document. The two sides developed a preliminary joint arrangement to address bilateral economic and trade issues. The two sides committed to strengthening agricultural cooperation and food security, including through a revitalized Canada-China Joint Agriculture Committee.
Energy: The two sides concurred to support exchanges and cooperation in clean energy, and strengthen cooperation in conventional energy such as oil and gas resource development. The two sides decided to launch a Ministerial Energy Dialogue to outline key areas to support two-way investment and trade in clean and conventional energy. They also committed to building on existing collaboration for responsible management of bilateral civil nuclear energy and to strengthening cooperation in natural uranium trade in accordance with the highest international standards, including relevant International Atomic Energy Agency instruments.
Finance: The two sides welcomed the establishment of a Financial Working Group to enhance bilateral engagement on financial issues. The working group will report to the co-chairs of the EFSD. Leaders welcomed the signing of the Third Agreement to Extend and Amend the Chinese Yuan/Canadian Dollar Bilateral Currency Swap Arrangement between the People's Bank of China and the Bank of Canada.
Public security and safety: The two sides committed to strengthening law enforcement cooperation to combat corruption and transnational crimes, including telecommunication and cyber fraud and illegal synthetic drugs in accordance with their respective laws. The two sides committed to continuing their bilateral law enforcement cooperation annual working group meeting mechanism, under which a counternarcotics dialogue is a key part, and securing more concrete achievements to ensure the security and safety of the two peoples.
People-to-people ties and cultural exchanges: The two sides concurred that people-to-people ties are the foundation of the bilateral relationship and committed to fostering these ties to promote greater mutual understanding and cooperation. The two sides decided to restart the Canada-China Joint Committee on Culture. The two sides committed to strengthening exchanges and cooperation in areas such as culture, education, arts, heritage, creative industries and to promoting legislative and sub-national exchanges. The two sides consented to provide mutual support and convenience for media to work in each other's countries, and provide greater convenience for two-way travel. The two sides concurred to provide facilitation for respective diplomatic premises.
Multilateralism: The two sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, supporting the central role of the United Nations (UN) in international affairs, safeguarding and improving the rules-based multilateral trading system underpinned by the World Trade Organization (WTO), and keeping global industrial and supply chains stable and smooth. Canada notes the Global Governance Initiative (GGI) proposed by China. The two sides committed to working to improve global governance, and to strengthening coordination and cooperation in the accelerated implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and on the reform of the international financial system. Canada supports China's hosting of the 2026 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings and looks forward to a successful APEC year, and appreciates China's support for Canada's offer to host in 2029. The two sides will look for opportunities to enhance exchanges and cooperation within the G20 and committed to deepening cooperation on climate and the environment, including under the frameworks of the Ministerial on Climate Action (MoCA), the China Council for International Cooperation on Environment and Development (CCICED), and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), as well as under the Memorandum of Understanding on Climate Change Cooperation and the Memorandum of Understanding Concerning Environmental Cooperation.
- Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed appreciation to the government and people of the People's Republic of China for their warm and friendly hospitality. China welcomed the invitation of the Canadian side for Chinese leaders to visit Canada at a mutually convenient time.
- During the visit, the two sides signed the following cooperation documents:
- Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Combating Crimes Between the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Natural Resources of Canada, the Ministry of Forests of the Province of British Columbia and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development of the People's Republic of China on Cooperation on Modern Wood Construction
- Canada-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Roadmap
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Canadian Heritage and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People's Republic of China on the Canada-China Joint Committee on Culture
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China regarding Food Safety and Animal and Plant Health Cooperation
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Natural Resources of Canada and the China National Energy Administration on Strengthening Energy Cooperation
- Letter of Intent for Cooperation between Destination Canada and China Media Group
January 14, 2026
Ottawa, Ontario
“Today, Tamil communities across Canada and around the world celebrate the beginning of Thai Pongal.
This sacred festival is a time to give thanks for the harvest and the promise of new beginnings. Over the next four days, families and friends will gather to share sweet rice, decorate their homes with colourful kolam artwork, and look to the year ahead with optimism.
Canada is home to one of the largest Tamil communities in the world. As Thai Pongal celebrations begin, we recognise the many contributions from Tamil Canadians that have helped build our country.
I extend my warmest wishes to all those celebrating Thai Pongal.”
January 18, 2026
Doha, Qatar
The global landscape is rapidly changing, leaving economies, businesses, and workers in a state of uncertainty. In response, Canada is focused on what we can control: securing new trade and investment partnerships so we are not reliant on a single country, but more resilient to global shocks. We are positioning Canada as a strong, reliable partner to secure new capital, develop new export markets, and create new opportunities for Canadian workers and businesses.
To advance that mission, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, travelled to Doha, Qatar – the first-ever visit by a sitting Canadian Prime Minister to the state. The Prime Minister met with the Amir of Qatar, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, to discuss increasing trade, commerce, investment, and security cooperation. Upon concluding the visit, the leaders announced a commitment from Qatar to make significant strategic investments in Canadian nation-building projects. These investments will get major projects built faster, supercharge our clean energy, health, AI, and defence industries, and create thousands of high-paying careers and sustained prosperity for Canadian workers.
Building on this momentum, the Prime Minister and the Amir issued a joint statement committing to accelerated two-way investment and collaboration across AI, quantum computing, aerospace, defence technologies, advanced manufacturing, agriculture, and agri-food.
After years of stalled negotiations, the leaders agreed to conclude negotiations on a new Canada-Qatar Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA) by this summer. This will enable Canadian businesses to more easily expand their operations in, and attract investment from, Qatar – a country with an economy worth nearly $290 billion. Building on this progress, Canada and Qatar agreed to immediately deepen work together on:
- Bilateral trade and investment through the establishment of a Joint Canada-Qatar Commission on Economic, Commercial, and Technical Cooperation.
- Information technology, expanding investment opportunities in areas such as AI and information and computer technology.
- Defence and security, launching negotiations on a framework to facilitate the exchange of expertise on military, security, and defence matters.
- A new double-taxation agreement to make it easier for Canadians to work and invest in Qatar and vice versa, with negotiations starting soon.
To further build this partnership, Prime Minister Carney announced that Canada will:
- Expand air services between the two countries under the Canada-Qatar Air Transport Agreement.
- Establish an office for Canada’s Defence Attaché in Doha to increase the frequency and depth of bilateral engagements that increase exports from Canada’s defence sector.
- Exchange security-related best practices and lessons learned in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 26, as Canada, Mexico, and the United States prepare to co-host this global sporting event.
As Qatar marks the beginning of its 2026 Year of Culture, Prime Minister Carney emphasised the important and growing people-to-people and cultural ties between the two countries. He extended an invitation to His Highness the Amir as well as Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, to visit Canada in the coming year.
While in Doha, the Prime Minister met with the Minister of Public Health of Qatar to reinforce shared priorities in health and life science. He underscored the potential for Canadian companies to grow their footprint in Qatar’s healthcare ecosystem, including in biotechnology and groundbreaking AI-driven health technologies. He also met with Qatari business leaders and heads of the Qatari Investment Authority to explore more opportunities to collaborate, further positioning Canada as a premier destination for global capital and investment.
Canada and Qatar are both economies with preeminent resources, with common goals to diversify trade and investment opportunities, with complementary strengths in technology, security, and international leadership. As Canada works to build major new energy projects, scale up our defence capabilities, and build on our leadership in AI and innovative technologies, strengthening our partnership with Qatar will accelerate these missions.
Quote
“Qatar is an effective, expansive, and increasing diplomatic force in the world today. They are a critical partner to Canada in many shared pursuits of peace and stability, from Ukraine to the Middle East. It is a relationship forged over many years by profound acts of friendship, including the Qataris’ effort to evacuate more than 200 Canadians from Afghanistan in 2021. Now we’re elevating our relationship – with an ambitious, new strategic partnership across trade, commerce, investment, AI, and defence – to deliver greater stability, security, and prosperity for our peoples.”
— The Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada
Quick facts
- This was Prime Minister Carney’s first official visit to Qatar and the first-ever visit by a sitting Canadian Prime Minister.
- Nearly 10,000 Canadians live and work in Qatar, contributing across aerospace, artificial intelligence, defence, and agri-food sectors.
- Two-way trade exceeds $325 million, with Québec accounting for nearly half of Canadian exports – driven by aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
- Today, Qatar’s investment in Canada is growing by nearly 20% a year.
- Qatar is the third-largest economy in the Gulf region, offering significant business opportunities for Canadian companies.
- In November 2025, Canada removed the visa requirement for Qatari citizens and introduced electronic travel authorisation eligibility for air travel to facilitate business and leisure travel.
- In 2018, Canada and Qatar initiated negotiations toward a Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA).
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