Minister MacAulay hosted Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr. Han Changfu

OTTAWA, Oct. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada and China are committed to expanding trade opportunities for their respective agriculture, agri-food and seafood sectors which will help create good, middle-class jobs and more opportunities for both countries. Building a strong relationship with China is vital to the continued growth of the Canadian economy, and to reaching the Government of Canada's target of increasing global agricultural exports to $75 billion by 2025.

This week, the Chinese Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Mr. Han Changfu, led a mission to Quebec and Ontario. The visit showcased Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector, and strengthened the mutually-beneficial trade relationship between Canada and China.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, was pleased to host Minister Han during his visit to Ottawa. The Ministers were joined by Parliamentary Secretary Sean Casey, at the China-Canada Agricultural and Fisheries Business Cooperation Forum to participate in discussions with Canadian and Chinese industry leaders. The event emphasized the strong trade relationship between the two countries and included the signing of cooperation agreements and Memoranda of Understanding.

Minister Han and his delegation also visited the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Ottawa Research and Development Center. The Center focuses on crop development, targeting corn, soy, spring wheat, winter wheat, oats and barley. It also supports research in the areas of food safety, mycotoxins, and biocontrol. Minister Han concluded is Ottawa visit with a tour of a local beef farm.

In the Montreal region, Minister Han and his delegation toured an Olymel hog and pork processing facility, as well as the research centre for Prograin, the largest private added-value soybean company in Canada.

Quotes

"I am pleased to have hosted the Chinese Minister for face-to-face meetings, which enabled both countries to highlight mutual interests and opportunities to strengthen our co-operation and to grow our business partnerships. Canada and China can look ahead to a future filled with opportunities."
- Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick facts

• From 2015 to 2017, China's agri-food and seafood imports from Canada increased by 28%.
• In 2017, China imported $8.60 billion worth of agricultural, agri-food and seafood products from Canada.
• China is Canada's second largest trading partner in agriculture and food.
• In November 2018, Minister MacAulay will lead a large delegation of industry representatives and provincial officials to promote agricultural trade with China. Minister MacAulay has lead successful trade missions to China in 2016 and 2017.

Additional links

• Government of Canada strengthens trade relationship with China on ministerial mission (May 18, 2018)
• Minister MacAulay heads to China to pursue trade opportunities and expand market access for Canadian agricultural sector (May 11, 2018)
• Ministerial Trade Mission to China (November 7 ? 16, 2018)
• Outline of opportunities in China

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada