China, Canada sign MOUs to boost trade and investment in agriculture

Canada and China signed a few memorandums of understanding at the ministerial level to push ahead trade and investment in agriculture, Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Gerry Ritz said in Shanghai on Friday following his visits in Beijing and Guangzhou.

"The MOUs set the foundation for future cooperation, and point out what rules and regulations need to be changed to facilitate trade," Ritz said.

The MOUs signed by the ministries included investing in agricultural science and technology, moving forward in the trade of beef, and carrying out pilot programs for cherry and blueberry exports from Canada to China.

"Canada is a reliable partner," Ritz said. "We have products of high quality, and we can offer a stable supply of them."

Canada is the world's fifth largest agriculture and agri-food exporter. The country sells 45 percent of its domestic food and agricultural products overseas. Key exports include grain, oilseed, pulse, meat, seafood, vegetables, fruit, honey, maple syrup and wine.