KUALA LUMPUR: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney is set to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) summit this week.
According to Carney, the bilateral meeting with Xi will follow up on issues that were discussed with Chinese Premier Li Qiang in New York in recent weeks.
“There will be a broad range of issues (discussed), in terms of the commercial relationship and the evolution in the global system.
“So, I look forward to that meeting with Xi,” said Carney in a press conference with selected media at the EQ Hotel on Monday (Oct 27).
Carney said his meeting with Li in New York was the first time Canada had senior-level contact with China in seven years.
“We are starting on a very low base, and we have to move substantially before we get to sensitive areas,” he added.
Asked if there is a planned free trade agreement between Canada and China, Carney said it was still too early to comment on such matters.
“There are many broader issues than trade; it would be a better position if we answered questions as the relationship evolves and deepens.
“There is no preset offer; this is the difference between relationship and transaction,” said Carney.
His remarks came after US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that he was increasing tariffs on Canada by an additional 10%.
The Apec summit marks Carney’s first trip to Asia as Canadian Prime Minister.
