Canadian pavilion a highlight of 23rd China seafood expo

The 23rd China Fisheries and Seafood Expo (CFSE), Asia's largest seafood event, was held in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province from Nov 7 to 9.

Canada, as a key exhibitor that has taken part in the expo for over 10 years, possessed the largest booths and most exhibitions. The group from Canada, led by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Ministry, consisted of the governors of Atlantic Canada's four easternmost provinces, directors of fisheries departments, and representatives of eight associations and 49 companies, making Canada the largest imported seafood exhibitor at the expo.

The Canada pavilion displayed various kinds of seafood from the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans, such as lobster, snow crab, scallop, arctic shrimp, oyster and salmon.

Canada's Atlantic seafood is high-quality and produced in the cold and clean waters while the processing and logistics are also monitored by governments or designated agencies. The majority of seafood has the authentication of third parties, with 97 percent of Canadian lobsters having been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) - an international nonprofit organization dedicated to safeguarding seafood supplies - as sustainable.

China's continuous economic development and consumers' demand on quality food have brought new opportunities to foreign food suppliers. Canada has seized the opportunity to expand trade in China and offer the country sustainable and safe food supplies.

Statistics show China has become the second-largest importer of agriculture products, agri-food and seafood from Canada. In 2017, the value of China's imported agriculture products, agri-food and seafood from Canada topped 8.6 billion yuan ($1.23 billion). Imports of agri-good and seafood have increased 28 percent since 2015.

China and Canada are both striving for growing businesses in agriculture, agri-food and seafood products. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Affairs Han Changbin led a delegation to Canada in October this year, visiting the local agriculture and agricultural food departments. The Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay also paid a return visit to China in November, attending such big events as CFSE and China International Import Expo, with the aim of supporting Canada’s efforts to enhance ties with China.

Canadian seafood products are promoted at the 23rd China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, which is held from Nov 7 to 9 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors sample Canadian seafood products at the 23rd China Fisheries and Seafood Expo, which is held from Nov 7 to 9 in Qingdao, East China's Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]