Beijing, April 4 -- Canada and China have agreed to launch a new financial working group aimed at strengthening economic cooperation, following meetings between Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne and senior Chinese officials, the government said Tuesday.

The agreement, signed with Pan Gongsheng, is part of broader efforts by Ottawa to stabilise and expand ties with Beijing while diversifying trade partnerships.

Both sides emphasised the importance of maintaining and improving bilateral economic relations, particularly in areas such as financial services and cross-border investment, according to the Canadian government.

Champagne was accompanied by Tiff Macklem and senior financial regulators and also met with Canadia...