October 5, 2010
Canadian ministers to cultivate agriculture trade in Asia
Canada''s New West Partnership is embarking on a mission to China and Japan from October 9-16, to promote the partnership region''s agriculture, seafood and aquaculture sectors.
Jack Hayden, Minister of Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, and Steve Thomson, Minister of British Columbia Agriculture and Lands, will meet with government and industry representatives on behalf of the New West Partnership to advance trade and investment interests.
They will also promote the region as a strong partner for collaboration on research, development and commercialization for mutual benefit in areas related to the agriculture and food sector.
Together the provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan represent Canada''s largest trading alliance and a dynamic and diverse economic hub of agriculture and agri-food activity. The region''s extensive variety of crops, livestock, meat, seafood, aquaculture, and produce are the source of many high quality products that meet the demands of consumers in Asia.
"With the recent advances in market access for Canadian beef in China, this mission presents an ideal time to support the efforts of Canadian industry to increase visibility and solidify business relationships with key Chinese meat importers and retailers," Hayden said.
The ministers are advancing important agriculture discussions initiated during the Partnership''s Premiers'' mission in May. The development of relationships with the Chinese and Japanese governments and their industries are important in order to stay competitive and grow trade across the region''s agriculture and food sectors.
The region accounts for half the farms in Canada, and just under half of Canada''s primary production and agriculture exports. On average the region''s agriculture exports to China and Japan are valued at more than CAD2.2 billion (US$2.15 billion) annually, and account for more than 68% and 58% of Canada''s agriculture exports to China and Japan respectively. Removing unnecessary barriers to trade, investment and labour mobility in Canada also makes the region a more desirable international partner.