Canada has strong business and people-to-people ties across the Indo-Pacific region, and the Government of Canada will continue working to create new opportunities for Canadian farmers, producers, and the agri-food sector with key trading partners.
While in Manila, Philippines, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, joined Canadian stakeholders, government partners, and dignitaries to officially open Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) and begin a new chapter for Canada’s engagement in the region. This announcement comes at the midway point in Minister MacAulay’s productive trade mission to two key Indo-Pacific markets: Malaysia and the Philippines.
The IPAAO’s unique model will bring a regional lens to the Indo-Pacific. Its mobile team will operate from a hub in Manila and work to build strategic partnerships that will grow our export opportunities and increase the demand for Canadian products. The IPAAO will leverage Canada’s expertise as a world leader in food safety and sustainability with that of our Indo-Pacific partners to tackle common challenges.
The first cohort of IPAAO staff is already on the ground, working with partners to advance shared priorities, such as food security, create mutually beneficial opportunities, build on strong relationships and enhance technical cooperation, market access and trade.
The Indo-Pacific region currently accounts for over one-third of the world’s economic activity, and in 2023, Canada's agriculture and agri-food exports to the region reached $22.8 billion. The opening of the IPAAO supports the economic pillar of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and demonstrates our commitment to the region and our Indo-Pacific partnerships.
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