Canada’s minister of international trade met with Vietnam and Singapore government officials to emphasize the need for free trade, highlight Canadian agri-food products, and to announce projects aimed at strengthening trade with those nations.
Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu concluded his trip to Singapore and Vietnam, the federal government said Wednesday.
WHY IT MATTERS: The Indo-Pacific region is seen as a growth market for Canadian agri-food trade. Canada’s Indo-Pacific strategy is also touted by the government as a key part of the country’s economic future.
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Sidhu met with industry leaders in Vietnam to discuss strengthening supply chains and attended an agri-food showcase hosted by supermarket chain BRG Mart, which carries Canadian products like apples, oatmeal and frozen beef.
With an eight per cent growth trajectory, “Vietnam will require enhanced food security through Canadian agri-food expertise,” Sidhu said in a Feb. 18 news release.
He also spoke about the work by the Canadian and Vietnamese ministries of agriculture to resolve access issues, reopen markets to Canadian salmon and safeguard market access for Canadian pork in case of an outbreak of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Canada.
In both countries, Sidhu met with government officials to strengthen bilateral trade ties and emphasize the importance of a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Sidhu announced $7.3 million in funding for the Vietnam Initiative for Strengthening Trade as part of Canada’s commitment to support that country’s economic and trade-related legal reform.
He also announced US$20 million (C$27.4 million) in funding to support Vietnamese farmers and agribusiness to adopt more sustainable practices.
The Indo-Pacific is Canada’s second-largest regional merchandise export market after the U.S. Vietnam is Canada’s largest merchandise trading partner among ASEAN countries.
Sidhu has previously sought out trade deals in Indonesia and the Philippines as well.
