Full coverage: Premier Li Attends UN Conferences, Visits Canada and Cuba

Full coverage: China’s Leaders

QUOTABLE QUOTES

"Signing an FTA with Canada will be a challenge for China as it will have to bear greater pressure than the developed countries," Li said Friday at a business forum in Montreal. "However, China is willing to engage in FTA talks with Canada to press the low-end domestic enterprises to move up the ladder."

For Canada, he said, the FTA will create more trade opportunities and facilitate joint efforts with China to explore third-party markets.

China is willing to strengthen mutual political trust and deepen practical cooperation in a bid to forge a "golden decade" for China-Canada ties, he added.

When meeting Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre and Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard Friday, Li called on Montreal and Quebec to continue to spearhead China-Canada cooperation at local levels.

"China and Canada have reached consensus on launching the feasibility study of the FTA. China welcomes Quebec to play a positive role in this process."

During Thursday's talks with Trudeau in Ottawa, Li said Canada should loosen up restrictions on the export of high-tech products to China in a bid to tap potential for bilateral economic cooperation.

"The exchange of visits within one month showed that China-Canada relations are entering a new stage... it's rare in the bilateral ties, and conforms to the interests of both countries as well as the expectations of the international community."

It is normal for the two countries with different national conditions and in different stages of development to have differences. What's more important is to manage their differences, knowing that their common interests far outweigh differences, Li said Thursday at a joint press conference with Trudeau.

When meeting Canada's Senate Speaker George Furey and Speaker of the House of Commons Geoff Regan Thursday, Li said the National People's Congress, China's legislature, is willing to strengthen the exchange of experience in law-making and rule of law, and facilitate communication with Canada's Senate and House of Commons to help promote China-Canada relations and enhance understanding and friendship between the two peoples.

China appreciated the contribution Canadian Governor General David Johnston has made to the bilateral ties. Though far apart, China and Canada share deep friendship, and the visit has deepened mutual political trust and pushed forward substantial cooperation, Li said Thursday during a meeting with the governor general.