On October 29, 2018, the first China-Canada Innovation Dialogue was convened in Beijing, co-chaired by Zhang Jianguo, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and Administrator of the State Administration of Foreign Experts Affairs, and David McGovern, Associate Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development of Canada.

At the dialogue, Chinese and Canadian representatives gave speeches on national innovation strategies of China and Canada, innovation eco-system development, cluster innovation development and green economy commercialization. They had enthusiastic discussions on other topics of mutual interest such as policy and practices of attracting innovation talent and developing green technology banks. The two sides affirmed the significance of the China-Canada Innovation Dialogue for strengthening the bilateral strategy and policy exchange, sharing best practices, and reaching agreement. The two sides expressed willingness to improve the mechanism of the Innovation Dialogue so that they can strengthen communication and better learn from each other to create a favorable environment for practical bilateral cooperation.

The event was attended by more than 40 representatives from Chinese and Canadian governmental authorities, think tanks, universities, research institutes and enterprises.