Minister MacAulay Wraps-Up Agricultural Trade Mission to Vietnam and India
News Release
March 14, 2017 – Ottawa, Canada – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, wrapped up a two-country Asian trade mission, strengthening agricultural bilateral ties and exploring market access opportunities for Canadian food and agri-food businesses.
The Government of Canada is committed to strong relationships with both Vietnam and India, and to expanding trade across the Asia-Pacific region – a priority market for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products. Deepening commercial ties will help Canada as well as Vietnam and India grow their respective economies, create new opportunities for Canadian businesses, and help create jobs and foster long-term growth for farmers and Canadian families.
While in Vietnam, Minister MacAulay met with his counterparts at various ministries and facilitated business-building opportunities to promote Canadian agricultural, agri-food and seafood products such as lobster, livestock genetics, blueberries, grains and oilseeds. He also participated in events showcasing Canadian agricultural products, including beef and seafood. Industry estimates that, added together, the market for these products in Vietnam could be worth $190 million in annual exports.
Continuing to India, Minister MacAulay and a delegation of Canadian industry participants representing various sectors promoted Canadian agricultural products in New Delhi and Mumbai. The Minister met with his counterparts, various agriculture and agri-food businesses, as well as importers and exporters. The Minister helped secure several Memoranda of Understanding between Canadian canola oil distributors and Indian retailers. He also opened the Canada Pavilion at AAHAR, India's largest food and hospitality fair, where 16 Canadian companies and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec showcased a variety of agriculture and agri-food products. Canadian industry representatives reported qualifying nearly 400 leads and nearly $3.5 million in anticipated sales over the next year.
Minister MacAulay held talks with Indian Ministers highlighting the quality of Canadian pulses and the importance of ensuring trade predictability. Discussions are on-going towards a resolution on this front.
Quotes
"Canada is committed to expanding global trade opportunities in Asia and around the world. Vietnam and India have seen rapid economic growth in recent years, and the emergence of a vibrant consumer middle class in both countries represents new opportunities for Canadian agri-food producers that will strengthen bilateral trade, benefit the middle class, and grow the Canadian economy."
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick Facts
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With a population of more than 90 million (14th largest in the world), Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world.
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Sales of Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood products to Vietnam in 2015 were worth more than $357 million, an increase of 144% from the previous three years.
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India is the second-most populous country in the world with 1.2 billion people. The population is expected to reach 1.3 billion this year.
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In 2015, Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood exports to India were valued at $1.5 billion, more than twice the amount it was two years earlier.
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Economic growth in both Vietnam and India is between 6% and 7% a year.
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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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