OREANDA-NEWS. September 13, 2016. Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food, highlighted today he will be leading a trade mission to China in the fall. The mission would be part of the Government’s efforts to expand Canada’s bilateral relationship with China.

Minister MacAulay will be joined by a group of industry representatives from the Canadian Agricultural, Agri-food and Fish and Seafood sectors to work with Chinese officials and businesses to promote Canadian food products in key Chinese markets and strengthen relationships between the two countries.

In late August, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau went on his first official visit to China where 56 deals worth more than \\$1.2 billion were signed between Chinese and Canadian firms. The two countries also reached an agreement on the continuation of the canola trade.

As part of the trade mission, Minister MacAulay is expected to attend the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in Qingdao and the Food and Hospitality China event in Shanghai. One hundred and twenty Canadian exhibitors will be participating in the two trade shows this year.

Minister MacAulay announced his upcoming China visit in a speech he delivered earlier today at a meeting held with the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. He also highlighted the importance of trade, innovation and the Government’s commitment to a sustainable economic future.

Quick Facts

  • Canada exported over \\$6.2 billion in agricultural, agri-food and fish and seafood exports to China in 2015.
  • China is Canada’s second-largest trading partner for agriculture, agri-food and fish and seafood products.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada continues to work with our global partners to expand market access across the globe. Expanding these markets will help put more money in the pockets of Canadian farmers while helping to grow the middle class. We are pleased to work with the Chinese government in an effort to grow our Agricultural, Agri-Food and Fish and Seafood sectors through bilateral trade."

- Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food