Nation is looking to expand trade across the Asia-Pacific region.
Photo by Adobe Stock.
Photo by Adobe Stock.
Minister Lawrence MacAulay visited with various agricultural leaders and representatives in Vietnam and India as part of the trade mission. Canada is looking to expand trade across the Asia-Pacific region and deepen commercial ties.
“Canada is committed to expanding global trade opportunities in Asia and around the world,” MacAulay said. “Vietnam and India have seen rapid economic growth in recent years, and the emergence of a vibrant consumer middle class in both countries represents new opportunities for Canadian agri-food producers that will strengthen bilateral trade, benefit the middle class, and grow the Canadian economy.”
With a population of more than 90 million, Vietnam is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Sales of Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood products to Vietnam in 2015 were worth more than C$357 million, an increase of 144% from the previous three years.
While in Vietnam, MacAulay met with Dabaco Group, a major agribusiness, to discuss opportunities for Canadian grains and oilseeds. He also met with his counterparts at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Industry of Trade.
He led a roundtable discussion with key Vietnamese associations in Hanoi to understand the market opportunities for Canadian products such as wheat, soybeans and animal feed.
MacAulay also met with representatives of Vinamilk, one of the largest agri-food corporations in Vietnam, to discuss opportunities for Canadian genetics and oilseeds.
India is the second-most populous country in the world with 1.2 billion people. The population is expected to reach 1.3 billion this year. In 2015, Canadian agriculture, agri-food and seafood exports to India were valued at C$1.5 billion, more than twice the amount it was two years earlier.
While in India, MacAulay met with his counterparts at the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
He talked with representatives from Dalmia Global to discuss opportunities for Canadian canola oil in India, and gave a keynote speech at a networking reception with 350 people in attendance, to advance Canadian opportunities in India.
MacAulay also met with representatives from Canadian Agro India Private Ltd, one of Canada's largest canola oil trading companies, and took part in a signing ceremony for four agreements between Canadian Agro India Private Ltd and various retailers.
