Canadian Minister's trade mission aims to grow agri-food exports

Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, has completed a key trip to Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea. This visit was a strategic move to create new opportunities for Canada's agriculture sector and enhance our global trade footprint. 

During his trip, Minister MacAulay engaged in talks with Vietnam's Agriculture Minister, discussing potential growth in the trade of commodities like wheat and pork, and celebrated 50 years of Canada-Vietnam relations. In Japan, his meetings aligned with the Trade Mission to reinforce Canada's reputation as a trusted agriculture products supplier. Meanwhile, in South Korea, he announced a substantial investment to help Canadian agricultural stakeholders enhance their export game. 

Under the AgriMarketing Program, Canada is injecting over $23 million to diversify exports and strengthen international customer relationships. This support will go a long way in reinforcing Canada's position in the dynamic Indo-Pacific market. 

The planned establishment of the first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila with a $31.8 million backing marks another strategic advance. This office will act as a hub for engaging with regional stakeholders, enhancing trade relations, and showcasing Canada's world-renowned agri-food quality. 

Minister MacAulay's efforts highlight Canada's proactive stance in trade expansion, aiming to position Canadian agriculture at the forefront of the world's growing food market. In reaffirming these intentions, the Minister said: 

"Canada is a global leader in agriculture and agri-food, and our products are the best in the world. It has been an honour to represent Canadian farmers in Vietnam, Japan, and South Korea, and to showcase that quality in person. When I first became Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food in 2015, our agricultural exports were $56 billion. As I return to the portfolio, we've increased that number to over $92 billion. My goal is to continue to grow our exports, and that starts with opening markets and creating opportunities for our hardworking Canadian farmers." 

His visit signifies Canada's broadening horizon, looking to the future where the Indo-Pacific region's burgeoning middle class and economic prominence beckon. As of 2022, the region accounted for $21.8 billion of Canada's agri-food exports, with Vietnam being a top buyer and Japan, a major agriculture and food supplier. 

This trade mission, part of Canada's larger Indo-Pacific Strategy, emphasizes trade, investment, and resilient supply chains. It underscores the potential of the region, reflecting an era of opportunity for Canada's agri-food producers, ready to deliver their best to the world.