Agriculture is central to the success of the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue
OTTAWA – Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) welcomed the announcement of the Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue co-chaired by Ministers Morneau and Carr along with Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong. The Strategic Dialogue has identified agriculture as a priority sector and committed to double agricultural trade between Canada and China by 2025.
“Grain farmers know how important a strong trade relationship with China is, given that it is already a top export market for most crops,” said Jeff Nielsen, GGC President. “The commitment made by the two Governments underscores that they appreciate the strength of the relationship and the potential that exists for future growth.”
The Joint Outcomes of the 1st Canada-China Economic and Financial Strategic Dialogue highlight that agriculture will only achieve its full potential if more work is done to resolve the tariff and non-tariff barriers that are holding back trade between the two countries.
Critical outcomes for GGC include commitments to:
- Double agricultural trade by 2025;
- Strengthen the longstanding exchanges and cooperation in two-way trade of grains, oilseeds and pulses;
- Encourage long-term commercial supply arrangements in key agricultural commodities; and
- Carry out approval processes for biotechnology traits in a scientific and timely manner.
GGC was pleased that Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Lawrence MacAulay also participated in the Dialogue as part of a broader trade mission to China, supporting Canadian agriculture and small and medium-sized businesses as they look to develop the Chinese market.
“It is important that the Government has committed to an ambitious trade diversification agenda, with China at the centre of it,” Mr. Nielsen. “We hope that the Government’s commitment to facilitating trade with China will soon bring real results for Canada’s hard-working grain farmers.”
Grain growers support a comprehensive approach to enhancing trade with China. This includes launching negotiations towards an FTA with China as well as pursuing a sector-specific approach that could resolve market access barriers, examples of which include canola and soybean biotech trait approvals, challenges with the import quotas for wheat and corn and approval of imports of Canadian raw oats for food and feed use.
Grain Growers of Canada provides a strong national voice for over 65,000 active and successful grain, oilseed and pulse producers through its 16 provincial, regional and national grower groups. Our mission and mandate are to pursue a policy environment that maximizes global competitiveness and to influence federal policy on behalf of independent Canadian grain farmers and their associations
Source : Grain Growers of Canada