OTTAWA, Nov. 10, 2017 /CNW/ - As part of Canada's efforts to double bilateral trade with China and grow global agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025, Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister, Lawrence MacAulay, will lead a trade mission next week across some of China's most important economic hubs. With a population of 1.4 billion people, and a growing appetite for high-quality Canadian food products, the Chinese market offers significant opportunities for Canadian agriculture producers and processors.
While in the cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing, Minister MacAulay will promote and raise the profile of Canadian agriculture, agri-food, and seafood products. He will do this alongside over 80 industry groups, helping them strengthen business ties and expand their reach on China's growing e-commerce platforms. Nova Scotia's Minister of Agriculture and representatives from the provinces of Manitoba, Alberta and Saskatchewan will also participate in the trade mission.
The Minister's first stop, Shanghai, will include several promotional activities and a visit to Food and Hospitality China, the largest food trade show in China, which attracts international food and beverage suppliers for the Chinese market.
While in China, Minister MacAulay will also meet with key government officials to advance trade issues and areas of cooperation, including on science based regulations. Meetings with representatives from key Chinese e-commerce platforms are also scheduled.
Quote
"China is a priority market for the Government of Canada, and by strengthening our continued trade relationship we're helping to create jobs at home and bring prosperity to farmers and Canadian families. This trade mission will open the door to many opportunities between our two countries, which in turn, will help us reach our target to grow Canada's agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025".
- Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick Facts
- China is Canada's second-most valuable agri-food export market after the U.S. In 2016, the value of Canada's total agriculture, agri-food, and seafood exports to China was $6.8 billion.
- Over 120 participants from across Canada are part of this mission, including representatives from the seafood, livestock, pork, beef, grains, oilseeds, pulses, processed food, beverages and horticulture sectors.
- Over 80 Canadian exhibitors are participating in the Food and Hospitality China trade show in Shanghai.
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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Halifax
Guy Gallant, Director of Communications, Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, 613-773-1059; Media Relations, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 613-773-7972, 1-866-345-7972
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