The Canadian government has announced its decision to open an Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food office in Manila, highlighting the important role the Philippines plays in its Indo-Pacific Strategy (IPS). The Canadian Embassy in Manila said the office is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The office will work hand in hand with the Canadian government to strengthen partnerships, advance technical cooperation, support Canadian exporters in finding new business opportunities, and help position Canada as a preferred supplier in the region. 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.
Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau has said that “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.”
In another statement, Dan Darling, president of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA), highlighted the Philippines’ position as a growing trade partner for Canada and a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Mr. Darling said, “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.”
CAFTA represents 90% of Canadian farmers who depend on trade as well as ranchers, producers, processors, and agri-food exporters who seek better access to international markets. In 2022, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports to the Indo-Pacific region totaled CAD 21.8 billion (USD 16.5 billion).
(Source: Philippine News Agency)
