Minister MacDonald concludes first trade mission to strengthen ties and promote Canadian agriculture and agri-food in the Indo-Pacific

The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has concluded a productive seven-day trade mission to Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines.

Representatives from Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector joined the Minister for the mission to the region, which is already importing more than a quarter of Canada's total agricultural exports, and poised for much more. Canadian agricultural stakeholder groups who joined Minister MacDonald on the mission included: Cereals Canada; Soy Canada; Protein Industries Canada; Canada Beef; Pulse Canada; the Canadian Pork Council; and the Canadian Cattle Association.

During the mission, Minister MacDonald met with senior government officials, industry leaders, importers and other key stakeholders to discuss boosting agricultural and agri-food trade, increased cooperation on research, innovation, food safety and technical expertise, and to promote the Canada Brand. In each country, the Minister convened meetings between industry representatives and local businesses and importers to discuss market trends, regulatory challenges, and opportunities for growth. He also attended World Food Expo, the largest agri-food and beverages trade show in the Philippines, and met with Canadian exhibitors.