Ontario, Canada Government Ministers in Osaka and Tokyo for Trade Discussions

Trade mission in Japan to promote Ontario's agri-food products and other economic opportunities

TOKYO, Oct. 18, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from Ontario, Canada are embarking on a trade mission to Japan to develop new trade opportunities between Ontario and Japan and to showcase Ontario's high-quality agri-food products such as beef, pork and soybeans.

Minister Fedeli continues to promote Ontario as an attractive place to invest with ample opportunities for Japanese businesses and entrepreneurs to partner with Ontario's vibrant automotive and aerospace sectors, and other key emerging sectors.

Minister Hardeman will be meeting with government representatives and grocery chains to promote the exceptional quality of Ontario farm products. He is also working to connect Ontario farmers and food processors with key importers and businesses in Japan.

"Made in Ontario means a high standard of quality, safety and expertise in our goods and services that can meet growing international demand," said Minister Fedeli. "Ontario's aerospace and automotive sectors are known for their talent and innovation, advantages we want to share with valued trading partners like Japan."

"Ontario farmers produce safe, high-quality products such as pork, beef and grains that are in demand all over the world. With Japan being one of our valued trading partners, I am very happy to be here to highlight the value of these food products and to expand markets for them," said Minister Hardeman.

QUICK FACTS

• Japan and Ontario have a strong trade relationship supported through ties such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
• In 2018, two-way trade between Ontario and Japan was valued at over C$13.5 billion dollars, making it Ontario's 8^th largest export partner in the world with over 200 Japanese companies currently operating in Ontario.
• Ontario is home to close to 16,900 grains and oilseed farms that marketed soybeans worth C$1.7 billion and corn worth $1.4 billion in farm cash receipts in 2018.
• Video depicting Ontario's beef, pork and grain sectors can be accessed here.

For further information: Avi Yufest, Minister Hardeman's Office, 416-326-3067, Avi.Yufest@ontario.ca; Robert Gibson, Minister Fedeli's Office, robert.m.gibson@ontario.ca