Ottawa, Ontario, April 3, 2012 - Canadian producers and agricultural researchers now have new opportunities for co-operation in Central Asia after Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and his counterpart from the Republic of Kazakhstan, Minister of Agriculture Asylzhan Mamytbekov, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) today.
"Our government's top priority remains the economy, and by enabling more co-operation with countries such as Kazakhstan, we are helping create more opportunities for our agriculture industry and more prosperity for all Canadians," said Minister Ritz. "Today's agreement demonstrates a strong and growing relationship between Canada and Kazakhstan for the benefit of producers and consumers in both countries."
The MOU signed today will increase co-operation in the areas of animal and plant production and development, and it will also increase knowledge sharing and exchanges of new technologies. There are many opportunities for further co-operation and trade between the two countries, particularly in the livestock and meat sector, and this MOU can help generate new business opportunities in both countries. A joint Canada-Kazakhstan working group will be established and will meet annually to ensure that the goals of this MOU are met.
For 20 years, Canada and Kazakhstan have enjoyed positive diplomatic ties and strong, two-way trade in agriculture. In 2011, Canadian agriculture and food exports to Kazakhstan totalled about $14 million, which included exports of Canada's top-quality breeding cattle. Canada is a trading partner of choice for Kazakhstan, particularly in the livestock and agricultural machinery sectors.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa (Ontario)
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Meagan Murdoch
Director of Communications
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
