BEIJING, Jan. 17 -- Canadian Minister of International Trade James Scott Peterson says economic and trade ties with China are very important to Canada.

    Peterson was speaking before his trade delegation embarks on an eight-day visit to China on Tuesday.

    The minister noted that China has a large manufacturing industry as well as a huge consumer market of 1.3 billion people.

    He predicted Canada-China trade would enjoy a promising future.

    Peterson also expressed hopes that Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin's visit to China later this month would help promote bilateral business cooperation.

    (Source:CRIENGLISH.com)