Last week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, visited Beijing, China, where he met with Chinese industry leaders, importers, and key Canadian stakeholders to advocate for improved commercial opportunities for Canadian farmers, processors and exporters, and reinforce Canada's commitment to exploring ways to support fair competition, a level playing field for businesses, and more open, sustainable and inclusive trade.
Minister MacAulay met with a range of industry stakeholders and key Chinese interlocuters to discuss emerging opportunities and challenges for Canadian agriculture, agri-food, and fish and seafood exports. Throughout his visit, the Minister expressed his deep concern over China's unfair initiation of an anti-dumping investigation on imports of canola seed from Canada and pressed for the full restoration of market access for Canadian beef and dry pet food containing poultry ingredients, as well as noting China's delays with its approval process for Canada's other market access requests. He also shared Canada's views on achieving more sustainable and resilient agri-food systems, while reaffirming that Canada stands ready to work with China to enhance our agricultural trading relationship.
