The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, wrapped up a two-country Asian trade mission, strengthening agricultural bilateral ties and exploring market access opportunities for Canadian food and agri-food businesses.
The Government of Canada is committed to strong relationships with both Vietnam and India, and to expanding trade across the Asia-Pacific region – a priority market for Canadian agriculture and agri-food products. Deepening commercial ties will help Canada as well as Vietnam and India grow their respective economies, create new opportunities for Canadian businesses, and help create jobs and foster long-term growth for farmers and Canadian families.
While in Vietnam, Minister MacAulay met with his counterparts at various ministries and facilitated business-building opportunities to promote Canadian agricultural, agri-food and seafood products such as lobster, livestock genetics, blueberries, grains and oilseeds. He also participated in events showcasing Canadian agricultural products, including beef and seafood. Industry estimates that, added together, the market for these products in Vietnam could be worth $190 million in annual exports.
Continuing to India, Minister MacAulay and a delegation of Canadian industry participants representing various sectors promoted Canadian agricultural products in New Delhi and Mumbai. The Minister met with his counterparts, various agriculture and agri-food businesses, as well as importers and exporters. The Minister helped secure several Memoranda of Understanding between Canadian canola oil distributors and Indian retailers. He also opened the Canada Pavilion at AAHAR, India's largest food and hospitality fair, where 16 Canadian companies and the provinces of Ontario and Quebec showcased a variety of agriculture and agri-food products. Canadian industry representatives reported qualifying nearly 400 leads and nearly $3.5 million in anticipated sales over the next year.
Minister MacAulay held talks with Indian Ministers highlighting the quality of Canadian pulses and the importance of ensuring trade predictability. Discussions are on-going towards a resolution on this front.
Source : Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada