Minister MacAulay Concludes South American Outreach Tour

Canada is a trading nation and the government is committed to grow and diversify trade by opening new doors in new markets, including in South America. Working with our trading partners around the world to ensure our trade is open and based in science will help the government reach its target of $75 billion in agricultural exports by 2025, while growing the economy and creating well-paying jobs

Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay today concluded his agricultural outreach mission to Argentina and Chile. During his visit, the Minister emphasized the strong north-south linkages already forged between farmers and producers throughout the western hemisphere, and urged the creation of more.

At the G20 Agricultural Ministers meetings in Buenos Aires, Minister MacAulay put Canadian trade and innovation front and centre. He introduced an agricultural approach to soil management to accelerate sustainable agricultural practices around the world that received strong international support. He also reinforced the importance of open and transparent trade based in rules and science and discussed trade issues and opportunities during the meetings he held on the margins of the summit with his counterparts from Japan, Mexico, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, India, Germany and the European Union.

“Diversifying trade with fast-growing and dynamic markets creates well-paying jobs for hard-working Canadians”

“Canada has strong trade relationships with Argentina and Chile, both important and growing markets globally,” MacAulay stated. “This Mission was a great opportunity to showcase Canada’s high-quality and safe food, and to strengthen our trade ties in South America – actions that will grow our economy and put more money in the pockets of our farmers.”

After the G20, the Minister’s mission continued with outreach events in Argentina and Chile, where he promoted the outstanding quality of Canadian agriculture products and looked at strengthening trade partnerships. The Minister held bilateral meetings with Argentina’s Minister of Agro-Industry, Luis Miguel Etchevehere, and Chile’s Minister of Agriculture, Antonio Walker, to discuss topics of mutual interest and to explore ways to grow agricultural trade.

“Diversifying trade with fast-growing and dynamic markets such as those in South America, creates well-paying jobs for hard-working Canadians,” added The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification. “Through existing trade agreements and on-going negotiations with Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance, Canada is securing new market access for Canadian businesses. Increased trade and investment benefits all Canadians while growing the economy.”

During his meeting with Argentina’s Minister of Agro-Industry, Minister MacAulay expressed thanks for his country’s recent work to amend import conditions for Canadian pork and pork products, which will allow Canadian exporters to take advantage of opportunities in the Argentine market, as well as for providing access for Canadian breeding swine.

Minister MacAulay participated in roundtable sessions with key agricultural associations and experts, and with Canadian companies active in Argentina, to discuss ways in which agricultural trade could be enhanced. While in Chile, the Minister also met with executives from the Chilean multi-format retailer Cencosud, the owner of Jumbo supermarkets, where he discussed retail food trends, as well as opportunities and challenges for the Canadian agri-food sector in the Chilean grocery market.

Prior to the Minister’s departure for Canada, he will participate in a beef and pork promotional event in Santiago this evening to raise awareness among Chilean food buyers of the availability of these Canadian meat products sold in the local market.

Source: AAFC