Agricultural exports of certain products to Vietnam could be worth $190 million
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com
Minister of Agriculture Lawrence MacAulay recently wrapped up an agricultural trade mission that took him to Vietnam and India.
During his time in Vietnam, Minister MacAulay promoted Canadian grains and oilseeds, livestock genetics, blueberries, and lobster. He also participated in events designed to showcase Canadian beef.
It’s estimated exports of those products to Vietnam could be worth $190 million to the Canadian economy.
As of 2015, Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports totaled $357 million to Vietnam. Non-durum wheat, other than seed for sowing, was worth $86 million in ag exports in 2015.
While in India, Minister MacAulay was joined by an agricultural delegation to promote Canadian products and producers.
He secured several memoranda of understanding between Canadian canola distributors and Indian retailers.
In 2015, Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports to India totaled nearly $1.5 billion. Dried lentils accounted for 62 per cent, or $964 million worth, of ag exports to India.
And as India and Vietnam's populations and economies grow, it’s a prime opportunity for Canadian agriculture.
"Canada is committed to expanding global trade opportunities in Asia and around the world,” Minister MacAulay said in a release. “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."