Jun. 28, 2010 (China Knowledge) - China hopes to double its trade value with Canada to $60 billion by 2015, President Hu Jintao said on Thursday, the China Daily reported.

Hu made his remarks during his meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, whose conservative party–led government is endeavoring to boost ties with China.

"We should take active steps to make both countries' two-way trade volume reach $60 billion by 2015," said Hu.

At present, about 75% of all Canadian exports are made with United States. Due to recent weak demand from its biggest partner, Canada is eager to diversify its foreign markets to make up for the deficiency.

Under the new progress made on Thursday, Canada disclosed that China would first open its market to Canadian boneless beef, derived from animals under 30 months old, as well as beef tallow for industrial use.

The bilateral trade between China and Canada stood at $29 billion last year.