On the evening of September 16, 2005, Chinese President Hu Jintao met with Premier Gordon Campbell of the province of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada.

Hu said that he is very glad, at the invitation of Prime Minister Martin, to change his schedule and visit Vancouver after attending the summit marking the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. He noted that as an important province in the western region of Canada British Columbia boasts a vast territory, rich resources and advanced science and technology. The province not only enjoys advantages in the traditional industries such as forestry, fishery and mineral resources but also has made remarkable achievements in the new and high-tech areas including information technology, biological technology, pharmaceuticals and environmental protection. British Columbia is the Canadian province closest to China with the longest history of exchanges with China as well and plays an important and unique role in promoting the development of China-Canada relations. At the beginning of this year the Canadian government raised the important concept of building "Pacific Gateway". He expressed confidence that the concept will help consolidate the position of British Columbia in Canada's foreign trade and create better conditions for China-Canada economic and trade cooperation, especially the cooperation between the province and China.

Campbell said that British Columbia has close relations with China. In recent years the province's trade volume with China expands rapidly and friendly exchanges with related Chinese provinces and cities keep strengthened. British Columbia expects to make full use of its favorable location as the "Pacific gateway", rich resources and advanced technologies to conduct long-term cooperation with China in wider areas and consolidate the friendly and mutually beneficial cooperative relations. On the evening the same day Jack Austin, leader of the government in the Canadian Senate and David Emerson, the Federal Minister of Industry hosted a welcoming banquet for President Hu's visit to British Columbia. Upon arriving at Vancouver on the afternoon, Hu met with the staff of Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver and representatives of local Chinese-funded organizations, overseas Chinese and Chinese students.

Hu arrived at Vancouver from New York after attending the summit on the 60th anniversary of the United Nations. At the Vancouver airport, Hu was welcomed by Canadian government officials including Jack Austin and Campbell. Hu will stay in Vancouver for one day to continue his state visit to Canada.