By Equine Canada

During a nationally-televised meeting in Beijing, China, delegates from Equine Canada industry associations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Horse Industry Association (CHIA) on March 30, 2016, 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,” says Al Patterson, President of Equine Canada. “I think it is great we made this big step to move forward. This future partnership provides a valuable opportunity to both Canada and China through our breeders and educators. The EC industry organization affiliates have joined forces with the federation to develop stronger partnerships to ensure a strengthened vision for international trade.” 

Officials and delegates from China and Canada during the opening remarks for the MOU signing. Photo: China Horse Industry Association (CHIA)

The Canadian delegation that travelled to China included Darryl Kaplan from Standardbred Canada, Haidee Landry from the Canadian Quarter Horse Association (CQHA), Grant Watson from the Canadian Thoroughbred Horse Society (CTHS) and industry liaison, Hao Zhang. 

“As one of the leading countries in the world for horses, Canada has produced many of the best horses,” says Professor Jia Youling, President of the CHIA. “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 equine will play in strengthening the trade relationship between Canada and China.”

Canadian Senator Victor Oh addresses the Canadian and Chinese delegates prior to the MOU signing. Photo: China Horse Industry Association (CHIA)

In addition to Senator Oh, Canada was represented by senior officials from the Canadian Embassy in China. Canadian and Chinese delegates, and government officials will continue to meet and collaborate on the next steps to move this new relationship forward in the coming months.

“I’m proud to be part of Equine Canada’s initiatives to move our industry forward by forging a new partnership with the China Horse Industry Association,” says Landry, Vice President of the Canadian Quarter Horse Association and EC Board member. “The Canadian Quarter Horse Association is pleased to be working with Equine Canada on this important trade mission.”

Main Photo: Equine Canada President Al Patterson, and China Horse Industry Association President Jia Youling, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on March 30, 2016 in Beijing, China to kick off a collaborative partnership that will provide the opportunity to strengthen both Canada and China’s equestrian industry on a global scale. Photo: China Horse Industry Association (CHIA)