The Government of Canada is taking another step forward in bringing its planned new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office to fruition – by announcing the Office’s location.
Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, met with the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), where they discussed the Indo-Pacific strategy and she announced Manila, Philippines, as the intended home base for the new Office.
“The Philippines is an important partner under the Indo-Pacific Strategy. Hosting this new Office is an opportunity to build on our economic relationship, and enrich people-to-people ties. Our Government will continue to help Canadian farmers, food processors and exporters maximize their opportunities, and diversify their markets in the world’s fastest-growing economic zone.” said by The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
The Office is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. It will consist of a mobile team that will work directly with Canadian diplomatic missions, Canadian stakeholders, foreign interlocutors and decision makers in the region to advance mutual trade objectives for the sector.
The Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) is a coalition of national organizations that support a more open and fair international trading environment for agriculture and agri-food.
“Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exporters have long called for an Indo-Pacific Strategy that would help us seize the many opportunities that exist in these dynamic and fast-growing markets. We are pleased that Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food office will be established in Manila, a growing trading partner for Canada and a key member of ASEAN. We are keen to continue to work with the federal government to ensure this office helps agri-food exporters grow Canada’s market share in the Indo-Pacific which will strengthen critical people to people ties, create new jobs, support food security, and enable more opportunities in trade for Canadian agri-food businesses.” said by Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA).
The Office will work hand in hand with Government of Canada resources already in place in the Indo-Pacific, and will help strengthen partnerships, advance technical cooperation, support Canadian exporters in finding new business opportunities, and help position Canada as a preferred supplier in the region.
The establishment of an Agriculture and Agri-Food Office under the Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS) demonstrates Canada’s commitment in the region and the importance of trade, investment, and supply chain resilience to support sustainable economic development in Indo-Pacific countries.
