OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper heads to China today, and in addition to a political entourage, he's bringing along a who's-who of Canada's energy sector.

Harper is traveling with the presidents of several oil and gas companies, including those involved in major pipeline projects.

One of those projects -- the Northern Gateway -- is considered key to helping Canada export more oil to China.

But it's not just the energy business fuelling Harper's four-day trip to the Middle Kingdom.

He's also bringing along leadership from the agricultural, transportation and education sectors, hoping to beef up Canada-China relations in those fields.

While on his three-city tour, Harper will also meet with current and future Chinese political leaders to set the stage for a long-term relationship between the two countries.

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