International Trade and Agriculture: Growing Exports, Jobs and British Columbia

Summary

The project aimed to connect industry stakeholders with marketing groups to expand BC’s success in international markets. Key partners, including the Ministry of International Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture, played vital roles in facilitating market access, particularly to China and Southeast Asia. The initiative helped grow the cherry industry by fostering relationships and supporting trade shows, resulting in over $5 million in new business and significant sales growth. The collaboration between government and industry was instrumental in the success of BC’s fruit exports, highlighting the region’s reputation for producing high-quality fruit.

Takeaways

• 😀 The project aimed to connect industry and marketing groups, helping them understand each other's needs and build important early relationships.
• 😀 The Ministry of International Trade played a key role in providing expertise for global markets, while the Agriculture Ministry brought sector-specific knowledge.
• 😀 Before the new protocol, fruit exports to China had to go through Hong Kong and the 'Grey Channel' into Guangzhou. This market was significantly impacted without the protocol.
• 😀 The cherry growing industry in BC is small compared to other sectors, making collaboration and external support crucial for international market access.
• 😀 Government support helps the industry with international travel, market visits, trade shows, and better communication with buyers.
• 😀 The program has been highly successful, with over 300 companies involved and more than $5 million in new business generated.
• 😀 Sales to Southeast Asia, particularly China, have seen significant growth due to the promotion and support from ministries, with Thailand sales more than doubling in three years.
• 😀 The collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, International Trade, and Agri-Food Canada was vital in gaining access to the Chinese market.
• 😀 The teamwork among government partners and the BC cherry industry has been effective in securing better market access.
• 😀 Partnerships between government and producers are essential for raising global awareness and showcasing BC's high-quality fruit production.

Q & A

What was the main objective of the project described in the transcript?

The main objective was to help the industry and marketing groups connect, expand BC's success in overseas marketing, and facilitate the development of important relationships by understanding each other's needs and offerings.

What role did the Ministry of International Trade play in the project?

The Ministry of International Trade provided expertise in international markets, helping to bring BC's products overseas and build connections in global trade.

How did the Ministry of Agriculture contribute to the project?

The Ministry of Agriculture brought deep sector knowledge, particularly about what BC's agricultural sector is growing and providing to the marketplace, which helped guide the project.

What was the impact of the protocol mentioned in the transcript on the fruit export industry?

The protocol was critical because it allowed fruit to be shipped to China, which was BC's largest trading partner. Without this protocol, access to that market would have been severely restricted.

Why is the cherry grower industry in BC considered small compared to other commodities?

The cherry grower industry in BC is small relative to other sectors, which makes it more challenging for individual growers to operate independently, hence the need for collaboration and support in accessing international markets.

How does government support assist BC's cherry growers?

Government support helps BC cherry growers by funding their travel to Asia for market visits, supporting their participation in trade shows, and enabling better communication with buyers and their customers.

What results were achieved through the program mentioned in the transcript?

The program led to over 300 companies engaging in discussions, and over five million dollars worth of new business was developed in the past year, demonstrating significant success.

How did sales in Southeast Asia change as a result of the program?

Sales into Southeast Asia more than doubled, with the most significant increase occurring in China. Thailand's sales also doubled in the last three years due to the promotional activities conducted in partnership with the ministries.

How did the Ministry of Agriculture, International Trade, and Agri-Food Canada contribute to the BC cherry industry's success in China?

These ministries were vital in the negotiations to gain access to the China market, working together effectively with the BC cherry industry to achieve success in international trade.

Why are partnerships like the one described in the transcript essential for fruit producers and exporters?

Partnerships are crucial because they help global markets recognize that BC produces some of the best fruit in the world, fostering growth in international sales and enhancing the reputation of BC's agricultural products.