Minister Heath MacDonald Concludes Mission to China, Strengthening Canada’s Agri-Food Ties
Visit promotes Canadian agricultural exports, launches new Meat Advocacy Office, and expands market opportunities across key Chinese cities
OTTAWA — The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, has concluded his first official mission to China, where he met with senior Chinese officials and Canadian industry leaders to expand market access for Canadian agricultural products and strengthen bilateral cooperation in food security, sustainability, and trade.
The visit underscored Canada’s commitment to maintaining constructive dialogue with China — its second-largest customer globally for agri-food, agriculture, and seafood products — with exports totaling CA$9.7 billion in 2024.
“Our government is working hard to expand opportunities for Canadian agriculture,” said Minister MacDonald. “China remains an important market for Canadian exporters, and being there allowed me to meet face-to-face with my counterparts, listen to our stakeholders, and see the opportunities and challenges firsthand. I’m committed to keeping the conversation going and looking for ways to support our hardworking farmers and producers.”
Strengthening Trade Ties Through High-Level Engagement
In Beijing, Minister MacDonald met with Sun Meijun, Minister of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), to advance trade priorities and reinforce collaboration in animal health, plant health, and food safety.
From agri-food innovation to sustainable seafood, our partnership with China continues to grow. Thanks to @Canada_China for inviting me to speak at your AGM and for nearly 50 years of strengthening Canada-China trade – the opportunities ahead have never been greater. pic.twitter.com/FrOchjo8zh
— Heath MacDonald (@CornwallHeath) November 3, 2025
The two ministers agreed to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and GACC, while enhancing technical collaboration through working groups meeting later this month. These initiatives aim to restore and expand market access for Canadian agricultural products and deepen cooperation in global food security.
Minister MacDonald also met with Huang Sanwen, President of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs (MARA). Their discussion focused on expanding institutional research partnerships in areas of sustainability, innovation, and agricultural resilience.
Opening of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office
A major highlight of the mission was the official opening of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Office in Beijing, supported through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriMarketing Program.
The new office — a collaboration between the Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Pork Council, and Canadian Cattle Association, with support from the Canada China Business Council — will serve as an on-the-ground hub for advocacy, market access, and trade facilitation.
MacDonald emphasized that the new office “builds on decades of trust between Canada’s red meat sector and Chinese consumers” and provides industry partners with a direct presence to navigate local regulations, connect with intermediaries, and strengthen export relationships.
Expanding Market Access Across Key Chinese Cities
Minister MacDonald’s itinerary also included Shanghai and Qingdao, where he engaged with Canadian and Chinese business stakeholders.
In Shanghai, the Minister met representatives of Canadian companies showcasing the reach of Canadian agri-food products and innovation in China’s fast-growing retail sector. His visits included:
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Rôtisseries Benny, a Quebec-based restaurant chain opening its newest China location;
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Hema, a high-end grocery chain offering Canadian products such as Prince Edward Island lobster;
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CoolFarms, a vertical greenhouse using Canadian agri-tech solutions; and
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McCain Foods, a key Canadian exporter in China’s processed food market.
In Qingdao, the Minister visited the Canada Pavilion at the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE), one of AAFC’s seven flagship pavilions. The 2025 event featured 36 exhibitors showcasing 50 Canadian fish and seafood product categories and resulted in more than $140 million in actual and projected sales.
Promoting the Canada Brand and Agricultural Innovation
Minister MacDonald concluded his visit by delivering a keynote address at the Canada China Business Council (CCBC) Business Forum, where he reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to “pragmatic and constructive engagement” with China on trade and market access.
He highlighted the success of the Canada Brand, a global marketing initiative that promotes Canadian agricultural products as high-quality, sustainable, and innovative, helping exporters stand out in international markets.
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