Atlantic Canada looks to China to diversify trade

A high-level trade mission from Canada's Atlantic region is headed to China on Thursday with the goal of diversifying trade.

From Nov 8-13, the "Atlantic Growth Strategy" delegation of provincial premiers and federal ministers will visit Qingdao, Shanghai and Beijing to promote Atlantic Canadian food, clean growth, education and tourism.

More than 2.3 million people live in "Atlantic Canada", which consists of the four easternmost provinces — Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island.

"I look forward to seeing the impact of the upcoming mission to China for Atlantic Canada," said Navdeep Bains, minister of innovation, science and economic development and minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.

"This region has exceptional products, innovators and small business owners – all of which have the potential to find success in international markets. With China being Canada's second-largest single-country trading partner, tapping into its market potential is critical to the future prosperity of Atlantic Canadian workers and their families," said Bains.

Launched in July 2016, the Atlantic Growth Strategy focuses on five strategic priorities for the region: trade and investment; skilled workforce and immigration; innovation; clean growth and climate change; and infrastructure.

The mission to China is a result of collaboration through the strategy, and ACOA is convinced it will serve as a catalyst to increase Canadian exports and leverage Canada's competitive advantages.

Although the bilateral trade relationship between the two countries already is worth $100 billion, with the current global economic and financial uncertainties and trade disputes, Atlantic Canada will embrace China as an essential component of trade diversification and makes it a priority for both countries.

"We have a long history of engagement with China in many areas like agro-fisheries and other marine resources as well as tourism and education, and this could spur the other Canadian provinces into pursuing similar missions," Bains said.

Exports to China from Atlantic Canada increased 37 percent in 2017, and more growth is expected for Canadian products in the Chinese market and imports from China.

"Here in Atlantic Canada, efforts are being made to step up our outreach to China," Bains said, adding that the federal government and provincial partners are investing $20 million over the next five years under the Atlantic trade and investment growth strategy to support such efforts.

Seafood is a large part of Atlantic Canada's food exports to China. In 2017, they were valued at more than $670 million, a 40 percent increase from 2016.

Lawrence MacAulay, minister of agriculture and agri-food, who will lead Canada's agricultural trade mission, including the Atlantic Growth Strategy delegation to China to attend the China International Import Expo (CIIE), stressed recently that the Canadian government is pleased with the continued cooperation between Canada and China.

"I am looking forward to showcasing Canada's top-quality agricultural and seafood products to the fast-growing Chinese market," he said. "This federal-provincial trade mission will allow us to introduce more Chinese buyers to what we have to offer. This is one of the many initiatives stemming from the Atlantic Growth Strategy, fueling long-term economic growth for the region."

More than 70 Atlantic Canadian companies and organizations will be in China to participate in CIIE and other trade missions. Another 20 Atlantic companies will be attending Food and Hotel China (Nov 13-15) in Shanghai.

"These meetings will be on the heels of our full participation in the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, where several hundred Canadian business people will be in attendance, seeking ways to be successful and help deepen our commercial ties," Bains said. "There are high expectations for success."

Contact the writer at renali@chinadailyusa.com