June 14, 2023

Canadian Cattle Association applauds opening of Indo-Pacific Agriculture Office to boost exports

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has expressed its support for the establishment of the first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, Philippines, which will provide technical expertise, support for Canadian exporters in the region, and a stronger diplomatic presence to enhance export growth, Harvard Media reported.

Nathan Phinney, resident of the CCA, credited the CCA and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) for advocating for the establishment of the office.

Phinney said the Asian market is the next high-value area for the CCA to do trade in.

The CCA's optimism is supported by the promising statistics. Approximately 20% of Canada's beef exports are directed to the Indo-Pacific market, with Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong serving as the top five markets.

The Philippines has witnessed remarkable growth in Canadian beef exports, increasing from CND 5 million (~US$3.7 million; CND 1 = US$0.75) in 2020 to CND 13 million (~US$9.7 million) last year. Similarly, beef exports to Vietnam surged from CND 8 million (~US$6 million) in 2019 to CND 129 million (~US$97 million in 2022.

The CCA also highlighted the positive impact of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which led to the removal of tariffs. As a result, Canadian beef exports to Japan experienced a remarkable 70% increase.

The newly established office will be used by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.

-      Harvard Media