Government of Canada helps Canadian Agricultural Industry Gain New Market Opportunities in China

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has concluded his second successful mission to China where he helped secure new export opportunities for Canadian agricultural producers and processors.  Over the 10-day mission, Minister MacAulay and a delegation of over 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,over 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 where Minister MacAulay was key in encouraging business-to-business meetings, such as Export Cafés and Savour Canada events, Canadian industry also reported numerous on-site sales and leads that will generate business.