The Manitoba government has reinforced the importance of the province’s trading relationship with Mexico at the recent 31st annual Tri-National Agricultural Accord in Saltillo, Mexico, where provincial and state agricultural representatives from Canada, the United States and Mexico gathered to discuss improved trade across North America.
“It is critical that Manitoba agricultural companies, organizations and other stakeholders emphasize with their partners in Mexico the importance of strategic relationships and alliances that benefit both jurisdictions,” said Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson. “Mexico is a particularly important market for Manitoba’s agricultural and agri-food sectors and industries.”
The Tri-National Agricultural Accord has long been an effective and crucial mechanism for pursuing, building and maximizing relationships between North American partners under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement and for ensuring trading corridors between the three countries are effective, said Johnson, who led the Canadian delegation in Mexico and co-chaired a bilateral meeting with the U.S., as well as tri-country meetings on harmonization, rural development and animal health.
The accord, which ran from Oct. 17 to 19, also involved meetings on issues such as food security, affordability and sustainability, labour, animal disease management, and the roles of innovation and science in a strong and sustainable food system. Johnson joined other delegates in committing to advance technology and innovation discussions, in acknowledging the ability to transship small ruminants and in pursuing the One Health approach to managing animal diseases from a North American standpoint.
In addition, delegates discussed the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on vulnerabilities in international movements of products and services, and affirmed their commitment to policies that promote free trade throughout the continent. Federal partners were asked to work with provincial and state officials to develop and implement policies to secure the supply chain, facilitate cross-border trade and protect against food insecurity.
Following the accord, Johnson travelled to Mexico City to meet buyers of Canadian products as well as freight transport company Kansas City Southern de México and organizations including the National Agricore Council and the Mexican Association of Grains and Oilseed Suppliers. The Canadian delegation also visited the Canadian Embassy and Central de Abasto, the world’s largest market, and attended the 40th anniversary of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Mexico.
