Federal Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald will spend time in Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines to strengthen existing "agricultural trade interests in the Indo-Pacific", according to a news release from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
The region has been a significant focus of the federal government in recent years as Canada diversifies its trade portfolio. AAFC notes the region "represents significant opportunities for growing the Canadian economy", consisting of "40 economies, over four billion people and $47.19 trillion in economic activity".
The Indo-Pacific region is also home to "six of Canada's top 13 trading partners" adds AAFC.
“Canada is a trusted supplier of sustainable, top-quality agricultural products that are in demand around the world. This trip is about promoting these products, advancing trade discussions, and building relationships that will create new opportunities for our hardworking producers back home.” says MacDonald in the news release.
MacDonald will meet with senior government officials, local business owners, and other stakeholders to improve bi-lateral trade relationships and explore opportunities "of mutual interest in key Indo-Pacific markets."
