Beijing, China (Rajeev Sharma): Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, Kody Blois, has concluded a four-day trade mission to China, where he joined a Saskatchewan-led delegation focused on easing tensions over agricultural trade — particularly the ongoing dispute surrounding Canadian canola exports.
From September 6 to 9, Blois participated in high-level meetings alongside Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe as part of a broader effort to address barriers affecting Canada-China trade relations. Central to the discussions were Chinese tariffs on Canadian canola products, a long-standing issue that has impacted Canadian farmers and disrupted bilateral trade.
Productive Dialogue with Chinese Officials
During the visit, Parliamentary Secretary Blois met with senior Chinese government representatives, including Executive Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu and Vice Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang. The talks centered on building mutual understanding and identifying practical steps to resolve key trade irritants.
“We had open and respectful conversations aimed at creating a more stable trade environment for Canadian producers,” said Blois. “Canada is committed to standing up for its farmers and pursuing fair, science-based trade practices.”
Blois highlighted Canada’s recent policy initiatives designed to support agricultural producers navigating uncertain international markets, particularly canola growers who have faced economic strain due to import restrictions.
Strengthening Agricultural Ties Amid Global Challenges
The visit marks an important milestone in Canada’s efforts to restore and strengthen agricultural trade ties with China, one of its largest export markets. The delegation’s presence in Beijing underscored the importance of direct government-to-government engagement in resolving disputes and advancing economic cooperation.
While no immediate resolution was reached, both sides agreed to continue dialogue and explore further opportunities for collaboration in the agricultural sector.
A Path Forward for Trade Relations
Officials say the mission helped lay the groundwork for future engagement and opened the door to ongoing technical discussions. Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, who led the delegation, also held bilateral meetings with industry stakeholders and Chinese import representatives to reinforce the province’s role as a reliable agricultural supplier.
The Canadian government views the trade mission as a step in the right direction, signaling a shared willingness to improve conditions for exporters and reduce uncertainty for producers at home.
