CRI听力:China, Canada to Embark on Free Trade Talks

Speaking with the media following their talks, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he believes the talks have been very productive.

"We've agreed to launch exploratory talks towards a potential free trade agreement between Canada and China. And further to this, we set an ambitious new goal to double bilateral trade between Canada and China by 2025."

In expanding on this, Trudeau says he believes the middle class in both countries will benefit from the expanded exchanges between the two countries.

In addition to increasing trade volumes, the two Prime Ministers have said they want to see their annual talks to be used as platform to conduct honest and regular engagement on important issues, such as the proposed extradition agreement.

There have been concerns in Canada about how much leeway the Trudeau government will give in negotiations to create an extradition policy, given Canada's rules on extradition to death-penalty countries.

In addressing the concerns, Li Keqiang has suggested the extradition treaty with Canada is not a major priority for the Chinese side at this moment.

"We've been working on the extradition agreement for many years. Whether or not such a deal can be reached, I believe it depends on domestic realities and the willingness of both countries as well as our common consensus throughout the discussion process. Both China and Canada are open to the talks."

For his part, Trudeau says he is determined to reset his country's relationship with China.

"We know that Canada-China relationship is going to be increasingly important over the coming years. I'm looking forward to a renewed partnership with China in the years ahead one that would open the door to even greater opportunities for Canadians and for their families."