Alberta’s agriculture minister hopes a trip to Japan, China and South Korea will strengthen the province’s relationship with the Asian countries.
Doug Horner said the trip will focus on reopening the borders to beef and touch on troubles in the elk and grain industry.
“It’s not only the livestock question,” said Horner, who wants to talk to Asian officials about tariffs on cereal grains and their refusal to accept Canadian elk products such as elk velvet antler.
“We have an elk industry that needs to see some movement on the elk velvet and perhaps some of their meat products.
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“These three Asian countries are significant or expanding markets for Alberta’s agricultural products and services.
“We have much to offer them, and they have much to offer us.
“By meeting face-to-face, we can improve our existing relationship and capitalize on new opportunities.”
While in China, Horner plans to sign a memorandum of understanding between Alberta and Heilongjiang province on a proposed food processing centre.
Other meetings of note include: participation in the Canadian Beef Re-Entry Marketing Roundtable in Tokyo; meetings with officials in the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; meetings with officials from the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture; and participation in the Canadian Beef Export Federation Seminar in Seoul, Korea.
