Government of Canada Secures New Access in Key ASEAN Markets

Expanding and diversifying Canada’s trade with emerging markets such as those in the ASEAN region through trade agreements and increased market access is a priority for the Government of Canada

Growing economic ties with the dynamic Southeast Asia region will provide Canadian farmers and processors more opportunities to sell their high-quality products abroad, helping to grow our economy and strengthen the middle class.

Today, the Government of Canada announced new market access for live cattle exports to the Philippines, as well as sheep and goat genetics exports to Indonesia and the Philippines.

“Canada is building strong markets around the world which will benefit our farmers and food processors”

According to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, the export market of live cattle to the Philippines is estimated to be valued at $8 million, and exports of sheep and goat genetics to Indonesia and the Philippines add up to $100,000 annually.

“Canada is building strong markets around the world which will benefit our farmers and food processors,” Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Lawrence MacAulay, stated. “These recent market access gains are setting the stage for deeper bilateral economic relations between Canada and the ASEAN region, and will contribute to our government’s goal of reaching $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025.”

The Philippines and Indonesia represent increasingly important markets for Canadian agri-food exporters and producers. While the increased market access will advance the competitiveness of, and create new opportunities for, Canada’s agriculture sector, the exports of Canadian breeding cattle and genetics will also contribute to rural economic development efforts of the Philippines in the agriculture sector.

“Increasing trade with fast-growing and dynamic markets such as those in the ASEAN region is an important part of our government’s trade diversification strategy,” Jim Carr, Minister of International Trade Diversification added. “Securing new market access for Canadian businesses of all sizes creates jobs for the middle-class allowing them to compete and succeed in new markets around the world.”

The Philippines, Indonesia and the wider ASEAN region are important commercial partners for the Canadian agriculture sector. The Government of Canada is working hard to help the sector build on its competitive strengths and to increase our market access internationally.

source: Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada