Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada opens first-ever Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office

While in Manila, Philippines, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Lawrence MacAulay, joined Canadian stakeholders, government partners, and dignitaries to officially open Canada’s Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office (IPAAO) and begin a new chapter for Canada’s engagement in the region.

This announcement comes at the midway point in Minister MacAulay’s trade mission to two key Indo-Pacific markets: Malaysia and the Philippines.

The IPAAO’s model will bring a regional lens to the Indo-Pacific. Its mobile team will operate from a hub in Manila and work to build strategic partnerships that will grow our export opportunities and increase the demand for Canadian products.

The IPAAO will leverage Canada’s expertise as a world leader in food safety and sustainability with that of our Indo-Pacific partners to tackle common challenges.

The first cohort of IPAAO staff is already on the ground, working with partners to advance shared priorities, such as food security, create mutually beneficial opportunities, build on strong relationships, and enhance technical cooperation, market access and trade.

“Through the successful Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other significant trade agreements, we have seen export opportunities continue for our high-quality Canadian beef to the Indo-Pacific region including with countries such as Japan, Korea, and Vietnam,” says Nathan Phinney, president of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). “We are pleased to see the government of Canada supporting our global trade efforts by opening this Indo-Pacific office, supporting our valued strategic partnership, and opening more trade avenues for Canadian beef producers.”

The Indo-Pacific region currently accounts for over one-third of the world’s economic activity, and in 2023, Canada’s agriculture and agri-food exports to the region reached $22.8 billion. The opening of the IPAAO supports the economic pillar of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and demonstrates our commitment to the region and our Indo-Pacific partnerships.