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CALGARY — China is now the largest customer for oil shipped through the Trans Mountain pipeline, underscoring deepening energy ties with Canada as broader trade relations continue to expand across multiple sectors.
In a statement published last week by the Chinese Consulate in Calgary, Zhao Liying, China’s consul general in Calgary, said growing cooperation between the two countries reflects complementary economies and a shared interest in long-term stability amid global uncertainty.
Zhao said China’s policy continuity and long-term planning are key factors supporting international partnerships. She pointed to the transition from the country’s 14th to 15th Five-Year Plan as an example of consistent economic direction, alongside measures aimed at improving the business environment and expanding access for foreign investment.
She also highlighted the scale of China’s economy, noting it surpassed 140 trillion yuan in 2025 and continues to contribute roughly 30 per cent of global economic growth. That growth is supported by a domestic market of more than 1.4 billion people, including over 400 million middle-income consumers, creating sustained demand for goods and services.
Canada, Zhao said, is well positioned within that framework as a supplier of oil, agricultural products, seafood, energy and minerals. She described those sectors as a stable foundation for bilateral trade, supported by Canada’s resource base and production capacity.
At the same time, she pointed to Canadian strengths in clean technology, modern agriculture and financial services as areas with potential for deeper collaboration. The statement said Chinese manufacturing capacity and industrial systems complement Canadian expertise, creating opportunities for more integrated supply chains and joint development.
Canadian companies including Bombardier and Manulife were cited as examples of firms with a long track record in China, reflecting sustained engagement and confidence in the market.
Zhao also pointed to emerging areas of cooperation tied to innovation and technological development. She said sectors such as artificial intelligence, green energy, biotechnology and advanced manufacturing are creating new opportunities for partnerships involving Canadian universities, research institutions and private companies. China’s 2026 growth target of between 4.5 and five per cent was described as a balanced approach aimed at maintaining stability while advancing structural reform.
The statement comes as Mark Carney continues efforts to diversify Canada’s economy and expand trading relationships beyond traditional partners.
Zhao said deeper cooperation could help manage external risks while delivering economic benefits across industries, particularly in sectors tied to energy, resources and emerging technologies.
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