Canada's participation at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai saw the two countries sign 18 agriculture and agri-food agreements worth more than $353 million.

The deals contributed to the total of $1.67 billion in agreements signed by all Canadian companies during the expo, officials said.

Canada's Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAulay ended his 10-day visit to China by signing the deals last weekend.

More than 100,000 people visited Canada's national pavilion during CIIE, and approximately 9,000 toured Canada's virtual pavilion online. Over 60 Canadian companies participated as part of the Business Exhibition, which also attracted thousands of visitors.

China is Canada's second-largest trading partner in agriculture and food, and MacAulay said that the deals he signed strengthened that position.

"I took every opportunity to forge new relationships with my counterparts and business partners and promote our world-class agricultural sector," he said. "We ensured that we will export even more of our high-quality, safe food products to the Chinese market, which will continue to create good jobs for Canadians and strengthen our middle class.''

As in past years, the minister attended the China Fisheries and Seafood Expo and Food and Hotel Expo to promote Canadian agriculture. The two tradeshows were attended by more than120,000 people and are expected to generate over $285 million in new sales for Canada's agriculture, food and seafood sectors.

MacAulay also met with his Chinese counterpart, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changfu, and discussed key trade issues, including canola, biotechnology and science cooperation.

"Like Canada, China understands the critical importance of science and technology to food security and economic growth," MacAulay said.

Close to 100 participants representing 65 agricultural organizations and companies from across Canada were part of the agricultural mission to China. They included representatives from the seafood, livestock, pork, beef, grain, oilseed, processed food, beverage and horticulture sectors.

Contact the writer at renli@chinadailyusa.com