As one of the world’s largest exporters of agricultural and agri-food products, stable and predictable access to international markets is essential to Canadians.
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of International Trade, welcomed the announcement that Canada and China have signed agreements supporting the export of canola and beef, which will help farmers by creating jobs, opportunities and growth in the agricultural sector.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and China’s Premier Li Keqiang agreed to a memorandum of understanding that outlines stable and predictable trade for Canadian exports of canola to China, while collaborative work continues. The agreement provides a science-based approach for Canadian canola producers and allows trade between the two countries to continue on an uninterrupted basis through early 2020. Exports of canola will continue under existing conditions.
Minister MacAulay met with Zhi Shuping, China’s Minister of General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, to discuss key agricultural trade issues, including canola and beef, setting a positive tone for his planned visit to China in November.
The two countries renewed the four-year Action Plan on Agriculture Cooperation between Agriculture and Agri-food Canada and China’s Ministry of Agriculture (2016-2020).
The Minister of International Trade yesterday in Montréal was thrilled to witness the signing of the memorandum ensuring stable canola trade into the future. She met with Gao Hucheng, China’s Minister of Commerce, and separately with Minister Zhi, who signed the canola memorandum. The ministers discussed the recent agreement on canola and reaffirmed their commitment to developing a lasting solution.
The two countries also announced five additional initiatives that will improve access to the Chinese market for Canadian producers and processors. Notably, Canada and China signed a protocol to expand market access for Canadian frozen bone-in beef and have also advanced several key initiatives to support trade in Canadian pork, bovine genetics and some processed foods.
As Canada’s second-largest trading partner, China offers significant opportunities for exports. In 2015, Canadian agricultural exports to China were valued at $5.6 billion.
Source: AAFC