Hu told some 800 business, political and Chinese-Canadian community leaders the two were "important trading partners, however, given the size of our two economies, there is still potential for more bilateral trade and economic co-operation."

"Canada with its highly developed economy, diverse industrial sectors and rich natural resources and China with its rapid growth and huge market are highly complementary," Hu said.

Prime Minister Paul Martin and Hu agreed on Friday to work together on nuclear energy, to triple passenger and cargo flights between the two, and to share railway technology.