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<title>MARCHI MEETS WITH CHINESE LEADERS IN BEIJING AND ANNOUNCES CANADA-CHINA INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">March 30, 1998 No. 75</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">MARCHI MEETS WITH CHINESE LEADERS IN BEIJING AND </font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">ANNOUNCES CANADA-CHINA INTERPARLIAMENTARY GROUP</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">International Trade Minister Sergio Marchi today took part in a series of
bilateral meetings with senior Chinese leaders and announced the establishment of
the Canada-China Interparliamentary Group. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"I have been deeply impressed by the determination of Chinese leaders to embrace
significant reforms in China's economy and society," said Minister Marchi. "I am
convinced that these changes herald a better future not only for the Chinese
people, but for Canada-China relations. I foresee a much broader participation in
all aspects of this relationship by Canadians."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The Canada-China Interparliamentary group will provide a forum for dialogue
between Canadian parliamentarians and members of the National People's Congress
(NPC). </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This body will add a new dimension to our dialogue with the Chinese government
on a range of social and economic issues," added Mr. Marchi. "By sharing
information about our respective systems of government and key policy issues, we
can pursue new avenues for co-operation together."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Marchi made the announcement in Beijing, following meetings with the Chairman
of the NPC Standing Committee, Li Peng; </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Li Lanqing, Executive Vice-Premier of the State Council; Shi Guangsheng, Minister
of Foreign Trade and Economic Co-operation; and Dai Xianglong, Governor of the
People's Bank of China. Canadian companies were represented at a number of these
meetings. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">The proposal to create the Canada-China Interparliamentary Group arose during
discussions between Prime Minister Jean Chrétien and President Jiang Zemin at the
time of the President's state visit to Canada in November 1997.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This body will enable parliamentarians in Canada and members of the NPC to
maintain ongoing contact and engage in discussions on a range of subjects. This
includes parliamentary rules, the legislative process, the roles of the executive
and legislative branches, and the role of committees in studying legislation and
receiving public representation. International trade arrangements and welfare and
social development policies will also be discussed. Annual meetings are planned
for each country on an rotating basis. </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Senator Jack Austin and Reg Alcock, Member of Parliament, will serve as interim
chairs for the Senate and the House of Commons groups respectively. They were in
attendance, together with Bob Mills, Member of Parliament, and Benoît Sauvageau,
Member of Parliament, when Minister Marchi made the announcement in Beijing.</font><font face="Courier"> </font></p>
<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Leslie Swartman</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister for International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 992-7332</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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