The Canadian Pork Council is
urging the federal government to take a leadership role to complete a trade
deal with the Trans-Pacific Partnership members.
The council said it would
welcome a deal that includes the terms of the agreement reached before U.S.
President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of the deal.
The council said in a news release that enhanced
market access is of critical importance to Canadian producers and government’s
efforts to expand economic ties in key Asia-Pacific markets are very much
appreciated.
The Pacific region is experiencing significant
economic growth and is also a region with an evolving need for agricultural
products.
The Government of Canada has identified Asia-Pacific
as a priority market and is working with the current Trans-Pacific Partnership
(TPP) participants to assess alternatives.
“The value these markets bring to the trade of
Canadian pork is key to the expansion of the industry,” said the council.
“While Japan is the most lucrative market, there is
room to quickly improve Canadian market shares in Singapore, Vietnam and
Malaysia.”
“Canada has the capacity and ability to complete this
deal” the council said, adding “the status quo is not an option.
‘If a free trade agreement with Asia-Pacific nations
is not implemented, Canada will face ongoing erosion of its ability to compete
in Japan and other rapidly growing Asian markets.”
