Hanoi, Vietnam – Lawrence MacAulay, the Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has expressed Canada’s commitment to support Vietnam in enhancing food quality for export during his recent visit to Vietnam. He emphasized the growing trade and cooperation in the agricultural sector between the two countries and the role played by the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) in further boosting agricultural and seafood trade.
MacAulay mentioned that Canada’s trade relationship with Vietnam has been fruitful, with significant imports from and exports to Vietnam. Vietnamese products, particularly nuts, coffee, beans, and more, have found a robust market in Canada. He underlined the importance of creating a competent inspection agency to ensure the quality of food in Vietnam meets global standards and can be readily exported.
In response to inquiries regarding Canada’s support for enhancing food safety and food security in Vietnam, MacAulay highlighted the role of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which is globally recognized for its expertise. He expressed Canada’s willingness to assist Vietnam in establishing a world-class food inspection agency, underlining the shared commitment to delivering top-quality food to consumers.
The minister also praised the strong collaboration between Canadian and Vietnamese counterparts, featuring technical assistance activities and knowledge sharing, fostering mutual understanding of sanitary regulations and trade facilitation.
MacAulay acknowledged the Indo-Pacific region’s significance and Canada’s commitment to strengthening its presence in this part of the world. He announced the opening of the first Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, Philippines, focusing on the Indo-Pacific region as a whole. This office is set to facilitate partnerships, promote agricultural trade opportunities, and enhance economic ties.
Furthermore, the Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food underscored Canada’s readiness to cooperate with Vietnam in developing low-emission agricultural production. Canada is known for its environmentally conscious agricultural practices, which it is eager to share to help Vietnam reduce emissions.
Beef and beef products were the most prominent exports from Canada to Vietnam in 2022, valued at CA$129.9 million, making up 31.2% of Canada’s total agriculture and food exports to Vietnam. Other essential exports included soybeans, brewing/distilling waste, pork and pork products, and fresh apples.
In return, Canada imported CA$879.2 million worth of agri-food and seafood products from Vietnam in 2022, accounting for 1.3% of Canada’s global agriculture and food imports.
The meeting with Lawrence MacAulay, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, emphasized the growing trade and cooperation between Canada and Vietnam in the agricultural sector. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for a Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) is helping to boost agricultural and seafood trade between the two countries. Beef and beef products, soybeans, brewing/distilling waste, pork and pork products, and fresh apples were among the major exports from Canada to Vietnam in 2022. Vietnam exported a variety of products to Canada, particularly nuts, coffee, beans, and more. The importance of establishing a competent inspection agency in Vietnam to ensure food quality met global standards and could be exported was emphasized. The role of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) in enhancing food safety and security in Vietnam was also highlighted, with Canada’s commitment to helping Vietnam establish a world-class food inspection agency. The opening of the first Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, Philippines, focused on the Indo-Pacific region was announced, demonstrating Canada’s commitment to strengthening its presence in the Indo-Pacific. Canada is also prepared to collaborate with Vietnam in developing low-emission agricultural production.