Minister MacAulay wraps up successful China agricultural trade mission

OTTAWA, Nov. 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, today wrapped up a successful 10-day visit to China, finishing a series of promotional events and meetings that raised the profile of Canadian agricultural products to our second-most valuable agri-food export market.

The three-city mission will help Canada reach its goal of growing global agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025 by providing Canadians and processors new opportunities to grow their businesses.

From Shanghai to Guangzhou to Beijing, the Minister strengthened Canada's position as a strong agricultural trading partner, and took every opportunity to showcase Canada's safe, high-quality food products to one of the world's most competitive and desired markets for agriculture.

Through meetings with his counterpart, Minister Han Changfu, and with Minister Zhi Shuping from China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ), he set a path for continued stable trade for agricultural products, including canola and meat.

Quote

"China is a fast-growing market. More and more Chinese consumers are looking for the safe, high-quality food that Canadian farmers and processors deliver. The Government of Canada is working to get even more of our quality food products on Chinese store shelves and e-commerce platforms, creating good, well-paying jobs in Canada and helping to strengthen our middle class."
-       Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"I'm happy to hear the positive news coming from Minister McAulay's trip to China. China is an important market for Canadian products, and this is encouraging news for both the Canadian and Chinese economy."
-       Mary Ng, Member of Parliament, Markham-Thornhill

"China is now the world's second largest economy, and Canadian producers have a lot to offer. Whether it is canola, soy or seafood, our processors and farmers continue to offer products that are safe and of the highest quality. Increasing trade between our two countries will not only help Canadian businesses, it will grow our middle class, create new jobs and increase our shared prosperity."
-       Shaun Chen, Member of Parliament, Scarborough North

Quick Facts

• China's economic success and increasing number of middle class consumers translates into rising demand for value-added agricultural products, including proteins and edible oils. 
• China's growing food demand aligns closely with the commercial interests of Canada's agricultural sectors.
• 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. This includes: canola seed ($1.9 billion); soybeans ($948 million); canola oil ($556 million); dried peas ($434.1 million); and frozen pork ($433 million).
  

Additional Links

• China – At a Glance
• Minister MacAulay sets sights on China with high-profile trade mission to boost food exports
• Canada agricultural trade mission to China offers new opportunities for Canadian farmers and processor

Backgrounder
Government of Canada helps exporters secure new deals and grow sales to China

Accomplishments spanning the 10-day mission with industry groups include:

• Industry representatives reported some $10.3 million in on-site sales at Food and Hospitality China, and $43 million in anticipated sales over the next year.
• Holding Export Café's in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing, which brought Canadian agricultural exporters face-to-face with Chinese importers to create new leads and sales opportunities.
• Boosting the profile of Canadian agricultural products on online platforms through Savour Canada tasting events in Shanghai and Beijing that targeted high-volume e-commerce and VIP buyers and media.

• Holding meetings with JD.com and VIP.COM to strengthen Canada's relationship with China's major e-commerce platforms, and create new opportunities for Canadian industry. The Minister signed a memorandum of understanding between AAFC and JD.Com
• Signing numerous company-to-company deals, including between:
• China's largest manufacturer and processor, COFCO, and Nova Scotia's Oxford Frozen Foods. Industry estimates the deal will increase sales to China by $17.5 million over three years.
• Vancouver's Sinova Foods International and its partner, an importer of Canadian wine and icewine, China's Legend Wine Group. Industry expects the deal will boost sales to China by $15 million over three years.
• Canadian company Genesus and Chinese companies Aonong, TQLS, Wens and Wufang, which industry estimates will increase sales of Canadian swine genetics by $7.2 million. Canada's livestock genetics are recognized worldwide for their high quality.

• Signing new cooperation and collaboration agreements, including:
• The Wild Blueberry Association of North America and China's Jin Jiang International signed a collaborative agreement to strengthen product development, market promotion and health research.
• The Barley Council of Canada signed a letter of cooperation with China's Wahmix, which seeks to grow feed barley exports.
• The Government of Canada signed a new arrangement and memorandum of understanding with China, including:
• the 2017-18 Cooperative Arrangement between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and China's counterparts, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) to set a path for continued stable trade of agricultural products, including canola and expanded meat access.
• renewing the MoU on Biotechnology between the CFIA and China's Ministry of Agriculture.
• Cooking demonstrations to raise the profile of Canada's safe, high-quality food products to Chinese media and buyers. Canada Beef Inc., the Canola Council of Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) organized demonstrations.
• Participating in the launch and promotion of "Canada Food Week" at major grocery retail chain CitySuper to highlight Canadian food products.
•  Participating in a dialogue organized by the Canola Council of Canada aimed at strengthening mutual understanding of issues impacting the canola trade.

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

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