WATCH ABOVE: When Stephen Harper was first elected Prime Minister he was adamant that he wouldn’t stop pressing china on human rights but critics say Harper has softened his stance since then and the new currency hub is proof. Vassy Kapelos reports.
BEIJING – Canada and China have signed a reciprocal currency deal that’s expected to dramatically boost exports.
The hub will foster far easier trade between the Canadian dollar and the Chinese yuan, also known as the renminbi. It makes Canada the first country in the Americas to have a deal to trade in the renminbi.
The deal was announced by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Li Keqiang (KUH-chee-yahng) in Beijing.
Authorized by China’s central bank, it will allow direct business between the Canadian dollar and the Chinese yuan, cutting out the middle man – in most cases, the U.S. dollar.
Canadian exporters forced to use the American currency to do business in China are faced with higher currency exchange costs and longer waits to close deals.
Jason Henderson, head of global banking for HSBC Canada, calls the deal great news for Canada given China is the second largest economy in the world after the U.S.
If Canada is to maintain the standard of living that it enjoys today, he adds, it needs to tap into the Chinese market. The currency deal is the first step on that path.
Earlier today, Canada and China also signed more than 20 commercial deals valued at more than $1 billion.
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