Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay has returned to Canada after a one-week mission to China.
MacAulay and his delegation travelled to Beijing where they met with Chinese industry leaders, importers, and Canadian officials to advocate for improved commercial opportunities for Canadian farmers, processors and exporters.
He said they were there to reinforce Canada’s commitment to exploring ways to support fair competition, a level playing field for businesses, and more open, sustainable and inclusive trade.
“Canada has the best products in the world and it’s my job to promote them,” he said. “This was my sixth trade mission to China over two terms as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, and I am always proud to help showcase our delicious, high-quality, sustainable foods, while advocating for our trading relationship to be fair and beneficial to our hardworking producers.”
Throughout the visit, MacAulay expressed his concern over China’s unfair initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada. He pressed for the full restoration of market access for Canadian beef and dry pet food containing poultry ingredients. He also noted China’s delays with its approval process for Canada’s other market access requests.
He also shared Canada’s views on achieving more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, while reaffirming that Canada stands ready to work with China to enhance their agricultural trading relationship.
MacAulay was joined by Chris White, President and CEO of the Canadian Meat Council and Canada Pork and Stephen Heckbert, Executive Director of the Canadian Pork Council during his visit.
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