BEIJING - Vice-Premier Wang Qishan on Friday met with a delegation of premiers from seven Canadian provincial governments, pledging to enhance cooperation with Canada at the local level.

He said he hopes the local governments of both sides can advance cooperation in trade, investment, finance, tourism, science and technology, energy and environmental protection.

Wang called on the two sides to implement a bilateral investment protection agreement so as to create a sound environment for cooperation between the local governments, businesses and markets.

The Chinese and Australian economies are highly complementary and enjoy great cooperative potential, Wang said.

Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter, who is also chair of the Council of the Federation, a Canadian governmental federation, said the premiers will expand practical cooperation in more areas.

He also appealed for more investment and tourists from China.

The delegation is made up of senior officials from the Canadian provinces and territories of New Brunswick, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island, Alberta, Northwest Territories and Yukon.