Canada Secures Greater Access To Philippine Market

by Robert Lee, Tax-News.com, London

26 January 2012

The Canadian government has secured live ruminant market access to the Philippines, a deal which will benefit cattle, sheep and goat producers.

Making the announcement, Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz and International Trade Minister Ed Fast said Canadian producers will be able to secure new access to yet another international market.

The Philippines annually imports CAD9m (USD9m) worth of cattle and nearly CAD300,000 of sheep and goats. The Ministers stressed that Canadian producers now have the ability to compete for sales in this market.

The Canadian government is also clear that this new market access further strengthens the trade relationship between Canada and the Philippines. The Philippines is an important commercial market for Canada, importing more than CAD235m worth of Canadian agricultural and agri-food products in 2010.

The agreement follows on from the recent announcement that Canadian beef under 30 months of age can re-enter the South Korean market. Taken together, the government argues that these two deals demonstrate the continued efforts of the Harper government to diversify international markets and maximize trade opportunities for the benefit of Canadian producers.

Ritz said: "The Philippines’ market is now open for Canadian exports of live cattle, sheep and goats. Step by step, market by market, the Harper Government is working closely with industry to increase market access for Canada’s safe, high quality products, in turn driving profitability for our producers and growing our economy."

"Canada welcomes this decision by the Philippines. Our government understands the importance for our farmers and producers to gain access to new markets. We will continue to work on their behalf because we know that free and open trade is the best way to create jobs and prosperity for hardworking Canadians," Fast added.

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