In a significant step for Canada’s agri-food sector, the Honourable Heath MacDonald travelled to the People’s Republic of China on Nov. 3 to engage senior government officials and Canadian industry leaders with the goal of enhancing trade opportunities and promoting Canada’s high-quality agricultural and agri-food offerings.

During his time in Beijing, the minister met with General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) Commissioner Sun Meijun to reinforce collaboration in animal health, plant health and food safety. The two sides agreed to renew the Memorandum of Understanding between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the GACC and to launch technical working-group meetings later this month. The minister underscored the importance of restoring and expanding market access for Canadian agricultural products in China.

In addition, the minister met with Huang Sanwen, President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, to discuss institutional collaboration in areas such as sustainability and global food security. This meeting builds on long-standing Canada-China agricultural ties.

In Shanghai and Qingdao the minister visited retail and exhibition venues to gain insight into Chinese consumer trends and market dynamics. His itinerary included a visit to a Canadian meat advocacy office established in-country, a Quebec-based restaurant opening, and the Canada Pavilion at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo where Canadian exhibitors reported strong leads and projected sales. These experiences provided direct exposure to the opportunities and challenges Canadian exporters face in the Chinese market.

The mission reinforces Canada’s message of readiness to engage constructively with China, reflecting China’s role as one of Canada’s most important commercial markets in agriculture, agri-food and seafood. The minister’s engagements reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to sustained dialogue and partnership through business, institutional and government channels.

The visit concludes a week of high-level meetings and market visits, offering Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector new pathways for collaboration, growth and trade with China.