A series of meetings this week between Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and senior members of the Chinese government helped deepen the economic relationships between Canada and China, the finance minister said on Friday.

The Canadian mission to China from August 10 to 14 included Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney, Superintendent of Financial Institutions Julie Dickson, other key Canadian government officials and senior financial industry executives. The delegation worked to highlight the strength of the Canadian financial system and financial institutions, according to Flaherty.

“China is looking to Canada as a country that has successfully managed its financial systems to guard against potential economic crises,” said Flaherty. “We have a long history of economic cooperation with China. I am pleased to have been here with executives of Canada’s financial industry to forge new, mutually beneficial relationships with China.”

Flaherty met with Chinese Vice Premier Li Keqiang and had a productive meeting with the chairman of the China National Development Reform Commission. He was also invited for a working dinner with his counterpart, Minister of Finance Xie Xuren, where they discussed experiences in dealing with the economic downturn.

The finance minister also met with Governor Zhou Xiaochuan of the People’s Bank of China and insurance and securities regulators and the China Investment Corporation.

Flaherty said he was pleased with the success of the Canadian Financial Forum held in Beijing, which brought together some of the most important players in Canada’s financial industry with over 200 investors in China.

After his meetings in Beijing, Flaherty traveled to Shanghai and to Suzhou to visit the High-Tech Industrial Park. He met with vice mayor Tu Guangshao of Shanghai and Suzhou mayor Yan Li.

Flaherty toured Canadian computer company Celestica’s manufacturing plant in Suzhou and also visited the Magna Closures auto parts facility in Kunshan.

“This has been a very busy and a very important mission,” Flaherty said in a statement. “The trip will yield great benefits in strengthening economic ties and promoting the Canadian financial sector.”

IE