Manitoba Government Expands Agri-Food Trade ties with Asia-Pacific through Hong Kong Partnership

The Manitoba government has exchanged letters of co-operation with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), marking a significant step in expanding international market access for Manitoba agriculture producers and agri‑food processors, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.

“Manitoba’s agri‑food sector is a cornerstone of our economy and this exchange of letters reflects our commitment to helping producers and processors succeed in global markets,” said Kostyshyn. “By partnering with HKCBA and HKTDC and leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths as a world‑class trade hub, we are opening new doors for Manitoba products across the Asia‑Pacific region.”

The partnership will support trade by connecting Manitoba producers and processors with buyers, distributors and investors in Hong Kong, mainland China and other Asia‑Pacific markets.

“Today’s exchange of letters at the Chinese New Year Gala represents years of relationship‑building and a shared commitment to turning opportunity into action,” said Ken Wong, chair emeritus, Hong Kong-Canada Business Association, Winnipeg Section. “We are working to create practical, business‑to‑business connections and to use Hong Kong’s trade and logistics ecosystem to help Manitoba exporters reach buyers throughout Asia.”

“Together with HKCBA Winnipeg Section, we are keen to explore more co-operation synergies with the Manitoba government to encourage and assist Manitoba companies aspiring to diversify their business to Asia in various relevant sectors,” said Andrew Yui, director, Hong Kong Trade Development Council. “As an industry-facing government agency of the Hong Kong Export Trade Organization, which is the official political representatives of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in Canada, HKTDC is excited to work with Manitoba to connect producers and exporters.”

“Manitoba producers are focused on building stable, long-term markets for the products they grow,” said Jill Verwey, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers. “Strengthened international engagement that advances our provincial agriculture trade interests is a key pillar of KAP’s Trade Action Plan, and this announcement demonstrates a promising start in connecting Manitoba producers with expanded market access that could help enhance farm sustainability while supporting the growth of their farm operations.”