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During those meetings, Trudeau promoted his government’s goal of broadening Canada’s economic links with the Asian superpower. He made commitments that included the launch of exploratory talks on free trade with the world’s second-biggest economy.

At the same time, Trudeau brought up Canada’s concerns with Chinese leaders about their government’s approach to human rights, rule of law, governance and corruption.

The China Entrepreneur Club is now hoping to deepen ties with Canada even further. Canada’s relationship with its second-largest trading partner was considered inconsistent under the previous Conservative government.

Maggie Cheng, the club’s secretary-general, said the visit comes at a time of growing opportunities for both countries.

“We have a large population and we are in a very long process of urbanization. And the consumer market is growing as well, and it will grow for a very long time,” Cheng said in a phone interview through an interpreter.

“I think the private companies in China have now grown into a (size) that can use a larger resource partner to further improve the Chinese market.”

China is increasingly interested in Canada’s agriculture, energy and fisheries industries, she said.

Cheng also believes the recent visit by the youthful Trudeau caught the attention of China’s younger generation, which she says is a large market with considerable buying power.

Canada’s business community is set to roll out a red carpet for the visiting club members, according to a program of the visit prepared by the group.