The Canadian Cattle Association is welcoming the creation of the first Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office in Manila, Philippines.

In a news release, the CCA says the office will offer technical expertise, support to Canadian exporters in the region, and a stronger diplomatic presence to bolster growth of exports.

President of the Canadian Cattle Association Nathan Phinney says this is something that they and the Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance (CAFTA) pushed the federal government to do.

“One of those areas that we see as going to be our next high value areas to do trade in is in the Asian market.” said Phinney.

There is indeed potential when looking at numbers provided by the CCA.

About 20 percent of Canada’s beef exports go to the Indo-Pacific market, with the top five markets being Japan, Mainland China, South Korea, Vietnam, and Hong Kong.

Canadian beef exports to the Philippines grew from $5-million in 2020, to $13-million last year. Exports to Vietnam grew from $8-million in 2019, to $129-million in 2022.

The organization also noted since the signing of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), and the subsequent removal of tariffs, Canadian beef exports to Japan increased by 70 percent.

“It’s only going to grow, and when we put it in the basket of trade options that we have, the diversity in trade is – as we’ve mentioned here before on different topics – is essential to our success and growth.” Phinney added.

The office will be used by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.