Historic Signing For Canada, China

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Published: March 29, 2016 12:51 pm EDT

This morning (Tuesday, March 29) during a nationally-televised meeting in Beijing, China, delegations from equine industry associations in Canada and China, including representation from Standardbred Canada, signed a Memorandum of Understanding for the purposes of working together, and ultimately opening the borders for trading horses, and knowledge, between the two countries.

“I am truly honoured to witness Canada and China forging this important relationship,” said Al Patterson, president of Equine Canada. “With a promise to work together, we look forward to a collaborative relationship between Canada and China.”

Professor Jia Youling, president of the China Horse Industry Association, was also optimistic. “As one of the leading countries in the world for horses, Canada has produced many of the best horses,” said Youling. “I am confident we can build a long relationship, built on mutual benefits.”

Canadian Senator, Victor Oh, who was in Beijing for the historic meeting, spoke about the larger impacts of the signing. “Today, we are signing this MOU to grow the equine industries in both countries. I look forward to the role that the equine will play in strengthening the trade relationship between Canada and China.”

Darryl Kaplan, who represented Standardbred Canada at the meetings, also expressed his optimism.

“China has the largest population in the world, and the horse business appears to be at the earliest stages of a major boom here,” said Kaplan, from Beijing. “We have met with breeders, horsepeople and many top-level officials in the Chinese horse industry. Billions of dollars of investment will be made into the horse industry in this country, and it bodes well for Canada, and the Standardbred.

“Over the last couple of days, we have heard about a number of breeds, but the interest in the Standardbred is really quite significant.” said Kaplan. “Standardbreds are currently competing and being bred in multiple regions across China. There is a real demand for horses, expertise and knowledge of the breed. As they learn more about the Standardbred, and its stars, the appeal grows.

“I hope that Canadians recognize the magnitude of this signing for the Chinese people,” said Kaplan. “This was a media event, covered across the country on CCTV, China’s largest television network. Our meetings have been extremely valuable, and the dialogue will only continue from here.”

Canada’s delegation in China includes Equine Canada, along with senior representatives from the Canadian Standardbred, Thoroughbred, and Quarter Horse industries. Canadian and Chinese delegates, and government officials, will continue to meet to iron out next steps.

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