The move is part of the strategy of expanding and diversifying Canada’s trade with emerging markets such as those in the ASEAN region.
It said that growing economic ties with the “dynamic” south-east Asia region would provide Canadian farmers and processors with more opportunities to sell their products abroad.
According to the Canadian Livestock Genetics Association, the export market value of live cattle to the Philippines was estimated at CA$8 million (m), while exports of sheep and goat genetics to Indonesia and the Philippines amounted to CA$100,000 annually.
The Philippines and Indonesia represent increasingly important markets for Canadian agri-food exporters and producers.
The Government of Canada said it was working hard to help the sector build on its competitive strengths and to increase its market access internationally.
“Canada is building strong markets around the world which will benefit our farmers and food processors. These recent market access gains are setting the stage for deeper bilateral economic relations between Canada and the ASEAN region, and will contribute to our government’s goal of reaching $75 billion in agri-food exports by 2025,” said Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food.
Jim Carr, minister of international trade diversification, added: “Increasing trade with fast-growing and dynamic markets such as those in the ASEAN region is an important part of our government’s trade diversification strategy. Securing new market access for Canadian businesses of all sizes creates jobs for the middle-class, allowing them to compete and succeed in new markets around the world.”
Canada exported over CA$325m of agriculture products in 2017 to the Philippines and imported over CA$185m.
The ASEAN region ranks as Canada’s sixth-largest trading partner.
