China's anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports in line with laws, WTO rules: spokeswoman

China's move to launch an anti-dumping probe into rapeseed imports from Canada has been taken in accordance with Chinese law and in compliance with the rules of the World Trade Organization (WTO), a spokewoman of the Ministry of Commerce said on Thursday.

China announced on Monday the start of a one-year anti-dumping investigation into imports of rapeseed oil from Canada, just weeks before Canada's 100 percent tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and other products are scheduled to go into effect. Rapeseed oil is commonly known as canola in Canada.

The probe is in line with Chinese law and administrative regulations as well as WTO rules, but is relatively rare, as the competent Chinese authorities have launched the investigation without having received an application from the domestic industry, experts noted.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, He Yongqian, the spokeswoman, said that the anti-dumping probe is a legitimate trade measure that complies with WTO rules to protect domestic industries against injury from dumping by a foreign country.

"Relevant evidence indicates that there exist acts of dumping on the part of Canada in exporting canola to China, which has caused substantial damage to China's domestic industry. Due to the low centralization rate of China's rapeseed industry and the involvement of large numbers of rapeseed growers that are scattered across the country, it is difficult for the industry to file applications by itself. For this reason, China has launched investigations into Canadian canola exports to the country independently in accordance with law, which meets the relevant provisions of the Chinese law and WTO rules. In the future, we will conduct the investigations in an objective, impartial and transparent manner and ruling accordingly," the spokeswoman said.

Citing reports from China's domestic rapeseed industry, the ministry said that Canada exported 3.47 billion U.S. dollars worth of canola to China in 2023, which also saw a year-on-year volume surge of 170 percent and a continuous decline in prices.

On Sept. 6, China submitted a consultation request to Canada at the WTO over Canada's plan to impose surtaxes on electric vehicles, steel products and aluminum products imported from China, according to the ministry.

It noted that Canada's plan to impose a 100 percent surtax on Chinese-made electric vehicles and a 25 percent surtax on Chinese steel and aluminum products is in violation of Canada's WTO commitments, and is a typical example of unilateralism and trade protectionism.

China's anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports in line with laws, WTO rules: spokeswoman

China's anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports in line with laws, WTO rules: spokeswoman

China's anti-dumping probe into Canadian canola imports in line with laws, WTO rules: spokeswoman

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition