Minister MacAulay Leads Largest-Ever Agricultural Delegation to China

News Release

November 4, 2016 (Beijing, China) - Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, today completed the first portion of his ten-day mission to China. Over 100 Canadian industry representatives from across Canada travelled with the Minister to Qingdao and Beijing.

Building on Prime Minister Trudeau’s visit in September, this mission showcases Canada’s agriculture, agri-food, fish and seafood. The mission also highlights the importance of bilateral trade between Canada and China and will create new opportunities to help grow Canada’s economy and middle class.

While in Qingdao and Beijing, Minister MacAulay met with key Chinese officials to discuss important issues of mutual interest, including market development opportunities, and hosted networking and business-to-business opportunities to promote Canadian agricultural, agri-food and seafood products.

Minister MacAulay will continue his mission tomorrow in Shanghai and other members of the delegation will also attend important business meetings and events in Guangzhou.

Quick facts

  • China is Canada’s second largest trading partner, after the United States.
  • Over the past three years, bilateral agriculture and food trade has increased by 13% to reach $7.7 billion dollars.
  • With a population of more than 1.4 billion people, China is one the fastest-growing economies in the world.
  • Over 100 participants from across Canada are part of this mission including:
    • Agriculture ministers from Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador and Alberta.
    • Representatives from the seafood, livestock, pork, beef, grains, oilseeds, pulses, processed foods, beverages and horticultural sectors
  • Over 120 Canadian exhibitors are participating in the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo in Qingdao and in the Food and Hospitality China trade show in Shanghai.

Quotes

"This trade mission is a great example of the Government of Canada’s commitment to working with our global partners to expand market opportunities in China and around the world. We are not only creating tremendous trade opportunities for Canadian companies and exporters of agricultural products, we are creating jobs, strengthening the middle class and growing the Canadian economy."

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

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Contacts

Guy Gallant
Director of Communications
Office of the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
613-773-1059

Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
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2017-02-13