Shenzhen:Dublin Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that the potential for Chinese automotive investment in Canada is contingent upon upcoming discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping and ongoing trade negotiations with the United States.
According to Anadolu Agency – English, Carney emphasized that the extent of Chinese investment is influenced by several factors, which will be addressed during his talks with President Xi. He also highlighted the relevance of ongoing discussions with the United States in this context.
Carney is set to meet Xi on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Shenzhen, China, next week. He has dismissed the idea of establishing "kit plants" that solely assemble Chinese electric vehicles from imported components, advocating instead for full-scale manufacturing operations in Canada, leveraging the productivity of Canadian autoworkers. Carney also anticipates stronger industrial cooperation with European automakers, complementing Canada's existing partnerships with North American, South Korean, and Japanese companies.
The discussions occur amid trade tensions with Washington. After Carney's visit to Beijing in January to promote economic cooperation, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened a 100% tariff on all Canadian goods if Ottawa pursued a trade agreement with China. Trump accused Carney of attempting to make Canada a 'drop-off port' for Chinese exports via his Truth Social platform.
Carney's involvement in the Dublin summit is part of Canada's strategy to deepen relations with Europe. He noted that strengthening ties with Europe could create economic opportunities, reduce red tape, boost competition, and enhance national security. Last month, Canada and the EU launched an "Alliance for the Future" in Montreal, focusing on cooperation in trade, technology, energy, and security, aiming for an "ever-closer association" by 2027, though not full EU membership. Some leaders have suggested the goal of becoming the EU's first "Associate Member," although the terms of this status remain undefined.