Government of Canada helps Canadian Agricultural Industry Gain New Market Opportunities in China

OTTAWA, ON - The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has concluded his second successful mission to China where he helped secure new export opportunities for Canadian agricultural producers and processors.

Also read, Canada and EU sign historic Trade Agreement during EU-Canada Summit.

Over the 10-day mission, Minister MacAulay and a delegation of over 100 Canadian industry representatives from all 10 provinces visited the cities of Qingdao, Beijing and Shanghai. Meetings were held with Chinese ministers, agriculture and agri-food businesses and exporters. The Minister also attended two major tradeshows in Qingdao and Shanghai to help promote Canadian products.

As a result of the two tradeshows, Canadian industry representatives reported qualifying more than 5,500 leads,over 30 percent of which they believe will lead to future business. In terms of sales, industry representatives reported some $37 million in on-site sales and $230 million in anticipated sales over the next year.

"China is a vital export market for Canadian agricultural producers, processors and exporters. I am pleased to build on the Government's strong trading relationship with this fastest growing consumer market, to help put more money in the pockets of Canadian farmers and processors, which in turn strengthens our entire Canadian economy and the middle class," said Mr. MacAulay.

In addition, as a result of various networking and promotional events where Minister MacAulay was key in encouraging business-to-business meetings, such as Export Cafés and Savour Canada events, Canadian industry also reported numerous on-site sales and leads that will generate business.

Quick facts

• China is the world's second largest economy, and Canada's second-largest single-country trading partner.
• Last year, Canada exported over $6 billion worth of agricultural, agri-food and fish and seafood to China.
• Top agricultural and agri-foods products include canola seed and canola oil ($2.6 billion), soy beans ($588 million), non-durum wheat ($333 million) and dried peas ($314 million).
• Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and China amounted to nearly $85.8 billion in 2015.
• Canada's two-way foreign direct investment relationship with China reached $33 billion at the end of 2015.

Source Marketwired