The federal government is touting a recent trip to China by Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food, as helping to secure new export opportunities for Canadian agricultural producers and processors.
鈥淐hina is a vital export market for Canadian agricultural producers, processors and exporters,鈥� MacAulay said. 鈥淚 am pleased to build on the government鈥檚 strong trading relationship with this fastest growing consumer market, to help put more money in the pockets of Canadian farmers and processors, which in turn strengthens our entire Canadian economy and the middle class.鈥�
Over the 10-day mission, MacAulay and a delegation of more than 100 Canadian industry representatives from all 10 provinces visited the cities of Qingdao, Beijing and Shanghai. Meetings were held with Chinese ministers, agriculture and agri-food businesses and exporters. The Minister also attended two major tradeshows in Qingdao and Shanghai to help promote Canadian products.
As a result of the two tradeshows, Canadian industry representatives reported qualifying more than 5,500 leads, more than 30 percent of which they believe will lead to future business. In terms of sales, industry representatives reported some $37 million in on-site sales and $230 million in anticipated sales over the next year.
In addition, as a result of various networking and promotional events the government says MacAulay was key in encouraging business-to-business meetings, such as Export Caf茅s and Savour Canada events. Canadian industry also reported numerous on-site sales and leads that they hope will generate business.
China is the world鈥檚 second largest economy, and Canada鈥檚 second-largest single-country trading partner.
Last year, Canada exported over $6 billion worth of agricultural, agri-food and fish and seafood to China.
Top agricultural and agri-foods products include canola seed and canola oil ($2.6 billion), soy beans ($588 million), non-durum wheat ($333 million) and dried peas ($314 million).
Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and China amounted to nearly $85.8 billion in 2015.
Canada鈥檚 two-way foreign direct investment relationship with China reached $33 billion at the end of 2015.
