Minister Macaulay Strengthens Agricultural Trade Relationship and Promotes Small- and Medium-Sized Export Development with China

SHANGHAI, Nov. 9, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada is a trading nation and remains focused on reaching its target of increasing Canada's global agricultural exports to $75 billion by 2025. With a population of 1.4 billion and a growing middle class, pursuing new market opportunities in China is essential to the continued growth of the Canadian economy, and to Canadian farmers, processors and exporters.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay is currently in China to promote Canada's agricultural sector to key industry and government officials, and to strengthen our mutually beneficial trading relationship.

Earlier this week, Minister MacAulay attended the historic first-ever China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai hosted by the President of the People's Republic of China, Xi Jinping.

The Expo is China's invitation to countries from all over the world to increase their exports to the fast growing consumer markets across China. Minister MacAulay, along with Canadian industry, met and connected with top Chinese and international importers to promote Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood.

The government of Canada is working hard to make it easier for small- and medium-sized Canadian companies to do business both at home and abroad. Minister MacAulay met with Canadian and Chinese industry groups, including representatives from Hema, Alibaba's innovative offline retail store that distributes Canadian products, to discuss further opportunities for the Canadian agricultural sector. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hema to increase the visibility of, and to further promote Canadian agri-food, fish and seafood, and beverage products in their offline retail stores across China. 

In Qingdao, Minister MacAulay was joined by his colleagues Minister Scott Brison and Parliamentary Secretary Alaina Lockhart, and Atlantic Premiers as part of the Atlantic Growth Strategy Mission. Minister MacAulay also attended the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE) to highlight the high quality of Canadian fish and seafood exports to China. In addition, Minister MacAulay participated in a cooking demonstration with the Lobster Council of Canada, toured the Canadian pavilion where he visited some of the 60 Canadian exhibitors at their booths, and he participated in the Canadian company Clearwater's new Chinese name launch. 

The Canadian agricultural mission to China continues next week in Beijing and returns to Shanghai to support Canadian industry at Food and Hotel China.

Follow #CdnAgMission for the latest updates.

Quotes

"As the world's second largest economy, China is a market with significant opportunities for growth. Along with Canadian industry, I will continue to meet with my counterparts and business partners in China to explore ways to make our partnerships even stronger. The economic benefits of an even stronger relationship between our two countries will help all Canadians, including our farmers, processors, fishermen and exporters."
-       The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canada and China are long-standing trading partners. Expanding market access for Canada's safe, high-quality products in this fast-growing market will lead to new jobs at home and economic growth that will benefit all Canadians."  
-       The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

"China is a Canada's second largest market and offers significant opportunities for business of all sizes. This mission to China is an excellent opportunity to make the connections necessary to bring more of the world-class Made-in-Canada products we know are in-demand right now. More access leads to more sales and that creates well-paying middle class jobs here at home."
-       Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion

Quick Facts

• China is Canada's second-largest trading partner in agriculture and food.
• Trade between Canada and China in agriculture, food and seafood products is almost $10 billion, an increase of almost 50% over the past four years.
• Total seafood exports to China in 2017 were C$956 million. The top five exports were frozen crab, live lobster, frozen cold-water shrimp, live crab and live clams.
• The 2017 agricultural trade mission to China generated over $300 million in new sales ? blueberries, barley, ice wine and swine genetics.

Additional links

• Outline of opportunities in China
• Fact Sheet: China
• News Release ? Minister MacAulay to lead agricultural trade mission to China 
• News Release - Minister MacAulay leads Canadian Delegation at the China International Import Expo

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada