The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) was pleased to see the release of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Strategy is good news for the Canadian beef industry as it prioritizes trade and agriculture, and includes key recommendations shared by CCA.
Some of the strategy’s initiatives of interest to Canadian beef producers include:
Minister-led trade missions: $45 million to launch a series of enhanced Minister-led trade missions to the Indo-Pacific to facilitate long-term trade and investment opportunities. CCA has long advocated for participating in trade missions, where there is a lot of value both domestically and internationally. We look forward to participating in these newly launched missions.
Agricultural office in the region: $31.8 million to establish Canada’s first agriculture office in the region to increase and diversify agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific. This is a direct answer to the request CCA made in partnership with other agricultural associations. The office will help prevent and resolve non-tariff barriers in the region proactively and quickly.
Expanding diplomatic capacity: $92.5 million to significantly expand capacity at Canada’s missions in the Indo-Pacific and within Global Affairs Canada to deepen diplomatic, trade, development, and climate ties with regional partners and defend Canadian interests in the region.
The Indo-Pacific region holds the greatest potential for market growth and diversification for our industry, with a growing middle class, GDP, and food consumption. About 20 per cent of Canada’s beef exports are destined for the Indo-Pacific market, with the top five markets being Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Diversifying our trade supports the future of our producers.
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