The new agri office will help to increase and diversify Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific, strengthening trade on both sides of the Pacific.
The Government of Canada to establish a new agricultural office in the Indo-Pacific region. The government will also provide $31.8 million in funds to the new agri office. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement in Thailand at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting.
According to the official statement, the office will form part of Canada’s larger overall Indo-Pacific Strategy, which is expected to be fully released soon. The new agri office will help to increase and diversify Canadian agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific, strengthening trade on both sides of the Pacific.
“By opening new markets and opportunities for Canadian businesses, innovators, and entrepreneurs, and attracting investment to Canada in sectors like clean energy that will define the global economy, we are building an economy that works for all Canadians. I look forward to working with fellow APEC leaders to build on our success, and create even more opportunities for Canadians and all people in the Indo-Pacific region,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said.
The Indo-Pacific stretches from the US Pacific coastline to the Indian Ocean and is home to more than half of the world’s people, and nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy. It includes 24 countries, such as Thailand, the US, Australia, Bangladesh, India, and Japan.
While Canada’s cereals, canola and pulse industries already enjoy a significant export share within the region, the statement said the rise of non-tariff barriers may prevent Canada from achieving its full potential in the region. To that end, the agri office will be able to tackle sanitary and phytosanitary issues in a strategic, coordinated manner with industry, and will help maintain and build market access for Canada’s agriculture exports.
