Ottawa, ON – June 8, 2023 –Dan Darling, President of the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) today issued the statement below regarding Minister Bibeau’s announcement of Manila, Philippines as the location of the first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office. Minister Bibeau made the announcement during a meeting with CAFTA members yesterday in Ottawa.

 

“CAFTA members have long called for an Indo-Pacific Strategy that would help us seize the many opportunities that exist throughout these dynamic and fast-growing markets.

 

“We are pleased that Canada’s new Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food office will be established in Manila, a growing trading partner for Canada and a key member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

 

“We believe that a comprehensive trade agreement with ASEAN should be one of Canada’s top trade negotiations priorities, and that putting technical expertise and boots on the ground to help deepen and strengthen trade and investment ties is a major step forward.

 

“We are especially pleased this office will be nimble so that officials will be able to provide support throughout the vast Indo-Pacific region which will help agri-food exporters continue to grow their market share in a region that is fiercely competitive.

 

“We look forward to continuing to work alongside the federal government as this office is fully established to advance our shared priorities including promoting free and open trade, strengthening people to people ties, creating new jobs, supporting food security and enabling more opportunities in trade for Canadian agri-food businesses.

 

For further information, please contact:

info@cafta.org

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