-- Trade mission in Japan to promote Ontario's agri-food products and other 
economic opportunities

Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade and Ernie 
Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs from Ontario, Canada 
are embarking on a trade mission to Japan to develop new trade opportunities 
between Ontario and Japan and to showcase Ontario's high-quality agri-food 
products such as beef, pork and soybeans.

Minister Fedeli continues to promote Ontario as an attractive place to invest 
with ample opportunities for Japanese businesses and entrepreneurs to partner 
with Ontario's vibrant automotive and aerospace sectors, and other key emerging 
sectors. 

Minister Hardeman will be meeting with government representatives and grocery 
chains to promote the exceptional quality of Ontario farm products. He is also 
working to connect Ontario farmers and food processors with key importers and 
businesses in Japan.

"Made in Ontario means a high standard of quality, safety and expertise in our 
goods and services that can meet growing international demand," said Minister 
Fedeli. "Ontario's aerospace and automotive sectors are known for their talent 
and innovation, advantages we want to share with valued trading partners like 
Japan." 

"Ontario farmers produce safe, high-quality products such as pork, beef and 
grains that are in demand all over the world. With Japan being one of our 
valued trading partners, I am very happy to be here to highlight the value of 
these food products and to expand markets for them," said Minister Hardeman.

QUICK FACTS

    -- Japan and Ontario have a strong trade relationship supported through 
       ties such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the 
       Trans-Pacific Partnership. 

    -- In 2018, two-way trade between Ontario and Japan was valued at over 
       C$13.5 billion dollars, making it Ontario's 8th largest export partner 
       in the world with over 200 Japanese companies currently operating in 
       Ontario. 

    -- Ontario is home to close to 16,900 grains and oilseed farms that 
       marketed soybeans worth C$1.7 billion and corn worth $1.4 billion in 
       farm cash receipts in 2018. 

    -- Video depicting Ontario's beef, pork and grain sectors can be accessed 
       here ( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=2613555-1&h=1666083233&u=https%3A%2F%2Fdrive.google.com%2Ffile%2Fd%2F1hgujWRuwBGzMG7zMGfjVxLTT6S37aNNk%2Fview&a=here 
).

For further information: Avi Yufest, Minister Hardeman's Office, 
+1-416-326-3067, Avi.Yufest@ontario.ca; Robert Gibson, Minister Fedeli's 
Office, robert.m.gibson@ontario.ca 

SOURCE Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade