Minister MacAulay Concludes Successful Agricultural Mission to China - Strengthening Ties with One of the World's Largest Import Markets

SHANGHAI, Nov. 15, 2018 /CNW/ - Advancing market access opportunities in China for our farmers, processors and exporters is key to the continued growth of the Canadian economy, and to achieving the Government of Canada's target of increasing global agricultural exports to $75 billion by 2025.

Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, today wrapped up a successful 10-day visit to China, which included Canada and China signing 18 agriculture and agri-food agreements worth over $353 million. Throughout the mission, Minister MacAulay strengthened Canada's position as a strong agricultural trading partner and showcased Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood products, building upon and expanding relationships with China's growing e-commerce sector. These agreements contributed to the $1.67 billion in deals struck by all Canadian companies over the 10-day period.

Minister MacAulay led Canada's delegation at the Canada Pavilion at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. Over 100,000 people visited Canada's national pavilion, while approximately nine thousand toured Canada's virtual pavilion online. In addition, over 60 Canadian companies participated as part of the Business Exhibition, which also attracted thousands of visitors.

As in past years, Minister MacAulay attended the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE) and Food and Hotel China (FHC) to promote Canadian agriculture. These two tradeshows were attended by over 120,000 people and are anticipated to generate over $285 million in new sales for Canada's innovative and world-class agriculture, food and seafood sectors.

Minister MacAulay also took the opportunity to meet with his counterpart, China's Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Han Changfu to discuss key trade issues including canola, biotechnology and science cooperation. Like Canada, China understands the critical importance of science and technology to food security and economic growth.

Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, and Minister of International Trade Diversification, Jim Carr,were also in China to attend the Canada-China Economic and Finance Strategic Dialogue (EFSD) to promote bilateral cooperation across a wide range of economic portfolios, including agriculture.

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Quotes

"Our Government is working hard to ensure that we export even more of our high-quality, safe food products to the Chinese market, which will ensure we continue to create good jobs for Canadians and strengthen our middle class. Throughout my two weeks in China, I took every opportunity to forge new relationships with my counterparts and business partners and promote our world-class agricultural sector."

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

"Canada is securing new opportunities to provide China with a stable supply of high-quality Made-in-Canada products and services to meet the needs and demands of China's growing middle class. The $1.67 billion worth of deals between companies from across Canada and their Chinese partners shows we are competing and succeeding in this dynamic market, creating jobs and economic prosperity at home as a result."

- The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification

Quick Facts

• China is Canada's second-largest trading partner in agriculture and food.
• Close to 100 participants, representing 65 agricultural organizations/companies from across Canada are part of this agricultural mission, including representatives from the seafood, livestock, pork, beef, grains, oilseeds, pulses, processed food, beverages and horticulture sectors.
• In 2017, two-way merchandise trade between the countries reached nearly $94.5 billion in value, accounting for 8.4% of Canada's total merchandise trade.
• In 2017, two-way trade in services between Canada and China reached $6.2 billion in value.

Additional links

• News release - Minister MacAulay to lead agricultural trade mission to China
• News release - Minister MacAulay leads Canadian Delegation at the China International Import Expo
• News release - Minister Macaulay Strengthens Agricultural Trade Relationship and Promotes Small- and Medium-Sized Export Development with China
• China Mission 2018 ? In Pictures

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SOURCE Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada