Canada strengthened the trade relationship with Russia and Kazakhstan, where Canadian agriculture minister Gerry Ritz was on a trade mission promoting the country's livestock industry.

Russia and Kazakhstan's interest in Canadian agricultural products and expertise is increasing. Canada exported over CAD21 million (US$20.37 million) of agri-food products to Kazakhstan in 2012, including CAD7.6 million (US$7.37 million) worth of pure-bred cattle, making Kazakhstan Canada's top market for pure-bred cattle. Canadian agri-food exports to Russia were worth more than CAD563 million (US$546.01 million) in 2012.

During the mission, the livestock industry signed commercial contracts valued at up to CAD11 million (US$10.67 million). In Russia, Genesus secured a CAD8-million (US$7.76 million) contract for 6,500 breeding swine, while in Kazakhstan, Xports International sold Canadian pure-bred cattle valued at almost CAD3 million (US$2.91 million).

"Our Government is committed to increasing Canadian exports to world markets," said Ritz. "By creating trade and business opportunities with countries like Russia and Kazakhstan, we are increasing farmers' profitability and contributing to the economic growth of our country."

Ritz defended the interests of Canadian pork and beef producers by reiterating Canada's opposition to Russia's ban on ractopamine, a feed additive recognized by international regulatory agencies as being safe. The Russian government committed to sending veterinarians to Canadian meat facilities to see first-hand Canada's robust inspection and regulatory system.

Ritz also discussed another important trade issue, by addressing the progress made on the negotiations of export certificates with the Customs Union member countries. He sought assurances that trade will not be negatively affected by the implementation of rules under the regional Customs Union, which had eliminated internal customs borders, notably between Russia and Kazakhstan.

"We continue to collaborate with the Canadian meat industry to advocate for science-based import requirements in the Customs Union, while working hard to restore the ability of Canadian pork and beef establishments to export to Russia and Kazakhstan as they have before," stressed Ritz.

In Kazakhstan, Ritz addressed the Astana Economic Forum, a major international economic conference, where he highlighted the advantages of becoming a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the obligations that come with membership. He also underscored the importance for international trade partners to adopt a science-based approach to trade as a means of stabilising trade, securing business, and promoting global food security.

With his Kazakhstani counterpart, Ritz built on the co-operation Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed in Ottawa in 2012, and addressed the joint working group meeting that is overseeing implementation of the MOU. The MOU aims to increase co-operation in the areas of animal and plant production and development, as well as knowledge sharing and exchanges of new technologies.